What is the minimum NRC and height specification for cubicle partitions?

• A. Cubicle Partitions - min NRC 0.8 & 1.2 m (48" high)
• B. Cubicle Partitions - min NRC 0.9 & 1.0 m high
• C. Cubicle Partitions - min NRC 0.8 & 2.0 m high
• D. Cubicle Partitions - min NRC 0.7 & 1.5 m high

Answer: (A)

The idea is to balance acoustic privacy with openness in an open office by using a sound-absorbing surface combined with a practical barrier height. A cubicle partition should have a minimum NRC of 0.8, meaning it absorbs a large portion of mid- to high-frequency sounds, which helps keep conversations from echoing and being carried to nearby workstations. The height should be at least 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) to provide a physical and visual barrier that reduces direct sound and line-of-sight between desks while still allowing light and collaboration to flow. Together, 0.8 NRC and 1.2 meters establish the baseline level of acoustic privacy without imposing unnecessary bulk. The other options either propose a lower or higher NRC than the minimum or specify heights that would either under- or over-constrain privacy and openness, so they don’t meet the required balance.