What are the acoustic advantages of using metal walls in airport or stadium architecture in Dubai or Riyadh?

In large public venues such as airports and stadiums around Dubai and Riyadh, properly designed metal wall systems contribute significantly to acoustic performance by combining absorptive elements, mass, and baffling strategies. Metal itself is reflective for sound waves, but when integrated into multi-layer assemblies—perforated metal faces with acoustic infill (mineral wool or specialized acoustic foam) and an air cavity—you get effective sound absorption that reduces reverberation times in concourses, lounges, or spectator areas. Perforated metal panels allow sound to pass through the face into the absorptive layer where energy is dissipated; varying hole sizes, open-area ratios, and backing cavities tune the system to absorb mid to high frequencies typical of speech and crowd noise. For low-frequency noise (e.g., mechanical equipment or distant traffic), adding mass via heavier metal substrates or composite layers improves blocking performance. Metal wall baffles, corrugated profiles, and multi-plane arrangements can scatter sound, reducing focused reflections and hotspots common in large bowl-like volumes. Additionally, integrating absorptive metal ceilings and walls in tandem creates a coordinated acoustic strategy that enhances speech intelligibility for terminals and improves spectator comfort in stadiums. When designing for Dubai or Riyadh projects, specify fire-rated acoustic cores, durability against sand abrasion, and easy-access panels for maintenance of acoustic media—ensuring long-term acoustic performance in harsh climates.