Architectural Record
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Subscribe
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Architectural Record
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Awards
    • Interviews
    • Obituaries
    • Podcasts
      • Design:Ed Podcast
      • Sponsored Podcasts
  • OPINION
    • Book Reviews / Excerpts
    • Exhibition Reviews
    • Forum
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Videos
    • Design Vanguard
    • Top 300 Firms
    • Sponsored Content
    • Sponsored eBooks
    • From the Archives
  • CONTINUING ED
    • Editorial Continuing Ed
    • CE Center
    • CE Academies
  • PROJECTS
    • Buildings By Type
    • Reuse & Renovation
    • Museums & Arts Centers
    • Colleges & Universities
    • Multifamily Housing
    • Interiors
    • Lighting
    • Kitchen & Bath
  • HOUSES
    • Record Houses
    • House of the Month
    • Featured Houses
  • PRODUCTS
    • Products by Category
    • Record Products of the Year
    • Latest Products
  • EVENTS
    • Dates & Events
    • Record on the Road
    • Innovation Conference
    • Sustainability in Practice
    • Women In Architecture
    • Webinars
    • Ad Excellence Awards
    • AIA 2026 Videos
    • Submit an Event
  • CONNECT
    • Ask RECORD AI
    • Newsletters
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Store
    • Customer Service
  • SUBMIT
    • Submission Guidelines
    • RECORD Competitions
  • MAGAZINE
    • Subscribe
    • My Account
    • Digital Edition
    • Current Issue
    • Firm Pass
    • Historic Archive
SNAP

Kirei’s Wave Tiles Provide Acoustical Privacy in D.C. Hospital

By Leslie Clagett
Shaping Sound

The sculpted forms and vibrant colors of the acoustic panels in this Washington, D.C. medical facility reflects its diverse clientele and urban location, and serves as a visual place-marker within the complex.

Photo © Eric Laignel

June 1, 2018

In medical settings, acoustical privacy is important for both patients and medical practitioners. In its interior fit-out of the Whitman Walker Hospital in Washington, D.C., Perkins+Will specified Wave tiles from the Mura collection by Kirei for the client services areas in the 25,000-square-foot outpatient clinic. Wrapping the ceiling as well as the wall with the NRC .55 tiles helps keep conversations—that may include sensitive and personal patient information—confidential, and enhances the clarity of speech, which can reduce stress on clinicians and staff, who must be able to hear clients clearly. The distinctive surface treatment acts not only as a sound buffer, but also as a wayfinding strategy, identifying reception areas throughout the space. Made of recycled material, the lightweight tiles are installed with a speed-clip system.

Looking for quick answers on architecture and design topics?
Try Ask RECORD, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask RECORD →

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Subscription Center
  • Create an Account
  • Start a Subscription
  • Manage My Account
  • Sign Up for Newsletters
  • Visit Customer Service
  • Update Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Architectural Record audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Architectural Record or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • 3D configurator
    Sponsored byDoorBird

    How DoorBird’s 3D Configurator Is Redefining Customization Across Residential and Commercial Design

  • interior of modern office
    Sponsored byCurrent

    The Downlight's Second Life: Why Below-Ceiling Serviceability Is the Specification Detail That Matters Most

  • cold storage facility
    Sponsored byCarlisle SynTec Systems

    How Architects Can Design More Continuous Cold Storage Envelopes

DESIGN:ED Podcast
Listen to Architectural Record’s DESIGN:ED Podcast

Events

July 29, 2026

Adaptive Reuse Reimagined: Designing Multifamily Housing from Existing Buildings

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 IIBEC CEH

Examine adaptive reuse envelope strategies that improve energy performance, preserve architectural character, and transform existing buildings into high-performing multifamily housing.

July 30, 2026

Constructing Exterior Walls to Avoid Moisture Issues

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU

Examine exterior wall and air barrier system strategies that improve moisture control, energy efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics, 4th Edition

Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics, 4th Edition

See More Products

Popular Stories

Goldring Woldenberg Park

Continuing Education: Postindustrial Waterfronts

House of the Month - Casa BL

In Chile, Alejandro Beals and Loreto Lyon Revive a 1960s House Designed by a Le Corbusier Disciple

Nieuw Bergen, Eindhoven

MVRDV’s Nieuw Bergen Brings ‘Mountainous’ Housing to a Low-Rise District in the Dutch City of Eindhoven

Temple-Emanu-El, San Francisco

AIA California Announces 2026 Design Award Recipients

Caserne Exelmans, Paris

Brunnquell André Architectes Converts Former Military Barracks in Paris into a Social Housing Hub

Adaptive Reuse Reimagined: Designing Multifamily Housing from Existing Buildings - Free Webinar - July 29, 2026

Related Articles

  • Tiny Houses on Display in D.C.

    See More
  • Aesop Store

    Aesop in D.C. by David Jameson Architects

    See More
  • Students Converge in D.C. For 2009 Solar Power Extravaganza

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • book3.jpg

    If Architecture is a Language, Then a Building is a Story

See More Products
×

The latest news and information

#1 Source for Architectural Design, News and Products

SUBSCRIBE
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Submit
    • Store
  • ACCOUNT CENTER
    • Create an Account
    • Start a Subscription
    • Manage My Account
    • Sign Up for Newsletters
    • Visit Customer Service
    • Update Preferences
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • Linkedin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing