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| Katsuya Hollywood by Philippe Starck and DesignArc. Acoustical design by David Lord, 45dB.com The large, traditional Noren hanging above the sushi bar presented an opportunity for massive sound absorption in a hard-surface, reflective space. As restaurateurs strive to attract a younger crowd, they've ditched the pile carpets, soft tablecloths and plush velvet booths for crowded communal tables, clattering open kitchens and pounding Rihanna music. It's all amplified by cavernous ceilings, spartan walls and bare floors. Yelp has begun listing noise levels atop its ratings. OpenTable, a reservations service, allows reviewers to rate restaurants as "quiet," "moderate" or "energetic." Several national restaurant reviewers now factor sonic quality into their reports. The Rundown LA, which sends email blasts on local activities, provides noise ratings when it reviews eateries. According to the nationwide Zagat survey, noise has become the second-biggest complaint among diners, behind lousy service. In Los Angeles, 18% of diners ranked noise as their top peeve last year, up from 12% in 2011. |
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| Multiple layers and folds of highly porous, pleated 32 oz. velour makes the Noren effective against longer wavelength (lower frequency) sounds. In order to be effective against “bass” frequencies, sound-absorbing acoustical panels typically need to be at least two inches thick. more on Acoustics Consulting at 45dB.com |
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| Sushi Bar Plan |
