ISO 17651-1:2024

Overview

ISO 17651-1:2024 - Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 1: Requirements and recommendations for permanent booths - specifies the design, usability and accessibility requirements for permanent interpreting booths with a direct view of the event room. It guides architects, venue planners and audiovisual integrators on building or retrofitting booths in new or existing facilities to support high-quality simultaneous interpreting.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard addresses the full booth lifecycle and environment, including:

• Location and siting

  • Integration of booths into room layout, people flow and building accessibility (aligned with ISO 21542).
  • Positioning away from disturbance sources to preserve speech intelligibility.

• Design and construction

  • General design requirements and recommended dimensions.
  • Specifications for doors, windows and visibility to the event.
  • Acoustics: sound insulation and absorption to reduce noise transmission between booth and room and between booths (references ISO 717‑1/2, ISO 16283 series).
  • HVAC and thermal comfort considerations (air quality, temperature, humidity, and noise control; references ISO 7730).
  • Provisions for cable ducts, language displays and limits on electromagnetic radiation.

• Booth interior

  • Ergonomics: work surfaces, seating and furniture (EN 1335 referenced).
  • Lighting, colour choices and visual display placement for interpreters.
  • Power, internet access and secure storage for documents/equipment.
  • Additional requirements for signed language interpreting (sightlines, space).

• Amenities and accessibility

  • Requirements for interpreter toilets and interpreters’ rooms to support comfort and concentration.
  • Emphasis on usability and accessibility for all interpreters.

Applications

ISO 17651-1 is intended for:

• Designing permanent booths in conference centres, courts, parliaments, corporates and universities.
• Retrofitting existing venues to improve interpreter working conditions and audio quality.
• Specifying requirements for tender documents, building permits and AV installations.
• Guiding acoustic consultants, HVAC engineers and AV integrators on interpreter-specific needs.

Who should use this standard

• Architects and building designers
• Venue and facilities managers
• Acoustic and HVAC engineers
• AV system integrators and technical production teams
• Conference organizers and interpreting service providers
• Accessibility consultants

Related standards

• ISO 20109 - Equipment requirements for simultaneous interpreting
• ISO 21542 - Accessibility and usability of the built environment
• ISO 717, ISO 16283, ISO 3382, ISO 7730, ISO 8995 series - acoustics, thermal comfort and lighting references
• ISO 17651-3 - (under development) for booths without direct room view

Using ISO 17651-1:2024 helps ensure interpreter comfort, accessibility and technical performance-key to clear, reliable simultaneous interpreting and professional multilingual events.