Bringing acoustic comfort to the French Institute in Warsaw
The French Institute in Warsaw has moved into the historic Bellona building, creating a new setting for language learning, cultural exchange and everyday work. Balancing heritage architecture with modern acoustic requirements, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve speech intelligibility, concentration and comfort without compromising the character of a historic space.
Creating an environment that supports language learning requires excellent speech intelligibility. Within the historic Bellona building in Warsaw, architects from Massive Design, experts from Saint-Gobain Ecophon and representatives of the French Institute collaborated to reduce reverberation and improve acoustic comfort, ensuring the spaces could effectively support teaching, work and cultural activities.
A problem every listener knows
Anyone who has studied a language in an old building knows the challenge: the teacher speaks from the other end of the room, while sound reflections from hard surfaces make it difficult to distinguish the subtle nuances of pronunciation.
In the French Institute’s previous premises, acoustics posed a significant challenge. In the new home, within the historic Bellona building, the goal was entirely different. The challenge, however, was to balance optimal acoustic conditions with the preservation of the building’s historic character and the creation of a subtle, respectful design.
We analysed each surface based on data and proposed specific solutions to absorb excessive reverberation precisely where it was needed.
Saint-Gobain Ecophon experts were involved from the earliest stages of the design process. Drawing on acoustic data and extensive experience, they supported the project team with guidance aimed at creating interiors that provide excellent acoustic comfort.
"Quite often, when you enter a raw historic space and say something out loud, the blurred sound comes back several times. It is a wonderful effect in a cathedral, but an absolute disaster in a classroom or during a meeting in a media library," explains Marcin Latta, Acoustician and Acoustic Expert at Saint-Gobain Ecophon.
"From day one, our team worked hand-in-hand with the architects from Massive Design. The goal was never to add acoustic treatment as an afterthought. Instead, we analysed each surface based on data and proposed specific solutions to absorb excessive reverberation precisely where it was needed," Latta continues.
The historic Bellona building now provides a new home for the French Institute in Warsaw.
Modern design within a historic setting
One of the key challenges was integrating modern technologies into a historic building without compromising its unique character, while creating a space that feels comfortable and welcoming.
"Designing the new headquarters of the French Institute was a unique challenge, primarily because of the building’s historic fabric. Our main objective was to harmoniously combine respect for the architectural heritage with the creation of a modern and fully functional environment. The project included a variety of spaces, from newly arranged offices and classrooms to an open and welcoming media library," says Marcin Mazurkiewicz, Design Director at Massive Design.
Free-hanging acoustic units help create a calm and comfortable library environment.
From the beginning, people’s wellbeing was the priority, encompassing both the daily comfort of the Institute’s staff and the learning experience of its students. In spaces such as these, acoustics invariably become one of the most important considerations.
"With this in mind, we worked closely with Saint-Gobain Ecophon experts from the very first design concepts. This close collaboration enabled us to implement aesthetically pleasing acoustic solutions that blend seamlessly with the interior design while delivering the acoustic comfort essential for learning, concentration, and conversation," he adds.
Success measured in decibels
The project delivered impressive visual results as well. Discreet Ecophon Solo™ acoustic islands were installed on the ceilings, while round Ecophon Akusto™ One wall panels, integrated with atmospheric LED lighting, became part of the interior design. Rather than appearing as technical additions, the acoustic elements evolved into distinctive architectural features that complement the character of the space.
Free-hanging ceiling absorbers and wall panels were selected to improve acoustic comfort in classrooms and collaborative spaces.
Acoustic wall panels with atmospheric LED lighting help create spaces that are both visually welcoming and acoustically comfortable.
Upon completion, acoustic measurements were carried out to verify the results. Post-occupancy testing confirmed compliance with the mandatory PN-B-02151-4 standard. Reverberation time was reduced to just 0.5 seconds in classrooms and 0.6 seconds in the media library. The speech clarity index (C50) reached an optimal value of +6 dB.
In practical terms, this means teachers no longer need to raise their voices, students can clearly understand every word, and people leave after a full day of classes or work without the fatigue often associated with excessive noise.
A noticeable difference in everyday use
For the Institute’s staff and visitors, the new space represents a significant improvement in everyday comfort and functionality. From the outset, the ambition was to create a welcoming, functional, and comfortable environment for employees, visitors, and French language learners alike. Acoustic quality therefore became one of the most important considerations throughout the design and fit-out process.
We have created a more pleasant environment that is better adapted to our educational activities while supporting the daily comfort and wellbeing of our staff and visitors.
"The improvements introduced have significantly enhanced listening and communication conditions, making them much better suited to learning French. They facilitate comprehension, concentration, and interaction between teachers and learners. This acoustic comfort represents a substantial improvement compared to our previous premises, where classrooms were characterised by high levels of reverberation. Thanks to our collaboration with Saint-Gobain Group and the Ecophon brand, we have created a more pleasant environment that is better adapted to our educational activities while supporting the daily comfort and wellbeing of our staff and visitors," emphasizes Nicolas Boisselier, Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of the French Institute in Poland.
The Bellona project also carries an important diplomatic and cultural dimension, reflecting the long-standing cooperation between Poland and France.
A French accent that sounds exactly as it should
The official opening of the new premises, attended by the French Ambassador, is scheduled for early September 2026. Thanks to carefully engineered acoustic design, Warsaw has gained a place where French sounds just as clear and natural as it does along the banks of the Seine.