Noise cancelling through sustainability

Wenda develops products and solutions for buildings that improve acoustics and sustainability.

What makes acoustics interesting to you?

Acoustics includes a wide variety of nature, social, artistic, psychological and engineering aspects. To be a specialist in acoustics is just a blast for an innovative mind. It's something that might only be understood by some, but good acoustics are needed by everyone.

Why did you choose to work in acoustics?

I love music and physics; acoustics is a kind-of combination of both.

What’s one of the most exciting projects you’ve ever done?

Developing the more sustainable noise-cancelling ducting CLIMAVER®. It’s used in heating and ventilation systems. By using up to 80% recycled glass it reduces environmental impact compared to sheet metal ducts.

What did you study to get into acoustics?

I studied Physics Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, specialising in Building Physics (Acoustics, Lighting, Energy).

What do you love about your job?

I love to be able to give solutions and answers for my customers’ problems (mainly about acoustics, fire and sustainability). I love to exploit technical aspects of my acoustic designs and produce commercial products.

How does your work make a difference to peoples’ lives?

I can educate people about the needs of multi-comfort (hear, feel, see and breathe), and help my customers to have a sustainable building that includes multi-comfort for their daily activities.

What else might a student need to know about a career in acoustics?

In my job developing better sounding buildings, acoustics is important basic knowledge to solve a problem. But to excel in this career, it needs to be integrated with other specialities like mechanics, electronics, sustainability, chemicals, materials, etc.

Tell us a fun acoustic fact!

People will never notice the acoustical engineering in a building with great acoustics. But when the acoustics is bad, they'll come to us with tonnes of issues! As acoustic consultant Nick Treby once wrote, "When the acoustics works, no one has ever realised we've been in."

What advice would you give a young person who was considering engineering as a future career?

Be passionate about the field of engineering he/she wants to be excel in, and see how that expertise will contribute to social or environmental improvement, and learn the basics of other knowledge like management, finance, marketing, etc to widen his/her perspective. Just don't stop learning new things.

What skills and personal qualities are important for being an engineer?

Be innovative, agile, good analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.