Urban Noise and Workplace Design: Evaluating Acoustic Comfort in Coworking Hubs

Coworking hubs are increasingly vital to urban economies, yet their acoustic performance remains underexplored despite its direct impact on productivity and well-being. This study assessed the acoustic comfort of three coworking hubs in Davao City—All-Nighter, Work Co., and Spark-Lab—using a mixed-methods approach that combined post-occupancy evaluation (POE) surveys with calibrated noise measurements. Data from 45 respondents and 30-min sound level recordings at each site were analyzed using ANOVA and MANOVA. Results revealed that Spark-Lab, located away from major traffic, consistently provided quieter conditions (average maximum ≈ 61 dBA), while All-Nighter and Work Co., both highway-adjacent, exhibited significantly higher noise levels (≈ 68–72 dBA). Statistical analysis confirmed the dominance of location, with effects highly significant (p < 0.001) and exceptionally strong (η2 ≈ 0.99), indicating that proximity to traffic accounted for nearly all variance in noise exposure. Phase differences were moderate, while interval effects were negligible, suggesting stable conditions within peak evening hours. Beyond quantifying acoustic differences, the study demonstrates the value of integrating subjective perceptions with objective metrics, advancing a replicable framework for coworking hub evaluation. Findings highlight the need for a multi-scalar response: urban planning strategies that prioritize site selection and buffering, architectural measures such as façade insulation and acoustic zoning, and operational practices involving continuous POE. In doing so, the research contributes both to scholarship on workplace acoustics and to practical guidance for creating healthier, more productive coworking environments in rapidly urbanizing contexts.