If you have experience as a commercial developer, you likely know about the importance of corporate architecture. Employee productivity, consumer confidence, and maintenance costs are all affected by every aspect of the building, including its ceiling. Here are a few varieties of ceilings to consider when discussing the possibilities with a building designer.

Which Ceilings Are Frequently Used in Corporate Architecture?

1. Suspended

Ceilings are built to contain ductwork, wires, and plumbing systems. A suspended ceiling conceals these components by hanging beneath them on a metal grid with tiles attached. 

The tiles can be made from any material, but plasterboard and mesh are especially common because of their cost-effectiveness and resistance to moisture and fire. The empty space between the actual ceiling and the suspended part reduces the noise of the HVAC and plumbing systems, though the tiles can be easily removed for maintenance.

2. Interstitial

These ceilings are also meant to hide the inner mechanics at the top of a building. However, they differ from the suspended type in that they provide a space to walk or crawl for easy access to any pipes, wires, or ducts that require cleaning or repair. Many components can even be moved from one area of the building to another, making the ceiling particularly popular for hospital building design, which must address the ever-changing needs of patients.

3. Acoustical

Airports, malls, hotels, factories, and other large commercial buildings have the potential for lots of noise that carries across long distances. Acoustical ceilings are ideal in these cases. They’re made from sound-absorbing materials, such as wood, foam, metal, or fiberglass. They can also be built in sound-controlling shapes, like cubes and curves, so it’s easy to make these ceilings look visually interesting.

4. Exposed

Exposed ceilings don’t attempt to cover the ductwork, wires, or plumbing system at the top of a building. While it gives the interior an unfinished appearance, the clearest benefit is the ease of access for maintenance and repairs. Without tiles or materials to maintain, these ceilings also save money by eliminating the need for repairwork and replacements.