At Kinetics Group of Companies (KGC), our mission goes beyond delivering engineering solutions — we create environments where people work smarter, learn better, and live healthier. A recent systematic review by Wang et al. (2021, Building and Environment) sheds light on how Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) directly affects occupants’ cognitive functions, which are the very foundation of productivity and decision-making in workplaces, schools, and homes.
The Science Behind IEQ and Cognition
The study examined more than 8,000 publications and identified five IEQ factors that strongly influence how people think and perform:
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Thermal Environment
- Noise
- Lighting
- Non-light Visual Factors (e.g., color, views, layout)
These were mapped against five key cognitive functions:
- Attention
- Perception
- Memory
- Language Function
- Higher-Order Cognitive Skills (decision-making, reasoning, problem-solving)
The findings are clear: poor IEQ is often linked to reduced cognitive ability, but the impact differs depending on which environmental factor is involved and which cognitive skill is being used.
Why Noise and Vibration Matter Most
Among all the IEQ elements, noise and vibration consistently emerge as the most disruptive to cognitive functions. Excessive background noise can erode attention and language processing, while vibration from poorly isolated MEP equipment can distract workers and reduce focus.
For example:
- Call center employees need clarity in auditory perception — background HVAC noise can directly affect their ability to communicate effectively.
- Executives require higher-order decision-making skills — even subtle vibration or hums from building systems can reduce concentration and lead to decision fatigue.
- Students in schools or universities rely on sustained attention — acoustic conditions can determine whether learning is efficient or hindered.
This is where Kinetics Group of Companies’ expertise becomes essential. By delivering world-class noise and vibration control solutions, we help contractors and developers design indoor environments that support cognitive performance instead of compromising it.
Kinetics’ Role in Creating High-Performance Buildings
As MEP systems become increasingly complex, so does the challenge of ensuring they operate quietly and efficiently. At KGC, we partner with consultants, contractors, and facility owners to address this through:
- Acoustic treatment and installation (via Kinetics Acoustic Technical Services, KATS).
- Vibration isolation systems for HVAC, pumps, and rotating equipment.
- Custom steel fabrication and enclosures (through KMCI) to mitigate structure-borne noise.
- Full engineering reports and solutions that help contractors meet compliance standards while optimizing occupant comfort.
By integrating these solutions early in the design and construction phases, Kinetics ensures that MEP contractors not only deliver projects on time and within budget, but also provide environments where people can think, learn, and perform at their best.
The Bigger Picture
The Wang et al. review highlights an important truth: indoor environmental quality is not just about comfort — it’s about performance, productivity, and human potential. At KGC, we see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity.
Whether it’s designing quieter HVAC systems, isolating vibration in mechanical rooms, or ensuring compliance with international standards, our role is to turn scientific insights into practical engineering solutions. The result is healthier, more productive spaces — and ultimately, more successful projects for our partners in the construction and MEP sectors.
📞 Ready to Build Smarter, Quieter, Healthier Spaces?
At Kinetics Group of Companies, we help MEP contractors, developers, and consultants achieve superior building performance through noise and vibration control solutions that protect both people and projects.
👉 Visit us: www.kineticsgroup.ae
📧 Email us: sales@kineticsgoup.ae
📞 Call us: +971 4 885 7361
Let’s work together to create environments where comfort meets performance.
👉 Reference: Wang, C., Zhang, F., Wang, J., Doyle, J., Hancock, P., Mak, C., & Liu, S. (2021). How indoor environmental quality affects occupants’ cognitive functions: A systematic review. Building and Environment, 107647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107647