EN ISO 17651-1:2024
(Main)Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 1: Requirements and recommendations for permanent booths (ISO 17651-1:2024)
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design of permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new or existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters.
This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for permanent booths which do not have a direct view of the room in which a communicative event takes place, see ISO 17651-3.[1]
[1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3-2:2024.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 23-Jan-2024
- Technical Committee
- CEN/SS A07 - Translation services
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/SS A07 - Translation services
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 24-Jan-2024
- Completion Date
- 24-Jan-2024
Overview
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 - Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 1: Requirements and recommendations for permanent booths - specifies design, usability and accessibility principles for permanent interpretation booths in new or existing buildings. It replaces EN ISO 2603:2016 and is intended to be used together with ISO 20109 (equipment requirements) and, for booths without a direct view, the forthcoming ISO 17651-3. The standard was prepared by ISO/TC 37 in collaboration with CEN and is adopted as a European Standard.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers practical, technology-neutral requirements and recommendations across booth lifecycle and fit-out, including:
- Location & siting
- Room characteristics, visibility of the event, accessibility and proximity to technical support.
- Design & dimensions
- General layout principles, recommended booth dimensions, door and window considerations to support sightlines and usability.
- Acoustics
- Sound insulation and sound absorption objectives to protect concentration and ensure audio quality for interpreters and listeners.
- HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
- Air quality, temperature, humidity and airflow guidance plus acoustic treatment of HVAC systems to avoid noise ingress.
- Electrical & data
- Power supply, cable ducts, internet access and electromagnetic radiation limits to support interpreting equipment and digital connectivity.
- Booth interior
- Lighting, colour schemes, work surfaces, furniture, video displays, storage and special requirements for signed language interpreters.
- Amenities
- Provision of toilets and interpreters’ break rooms to support well‑being and shift rotation.
- Accessibility & usability
- Design that ensures booths are accessible to all interpreters (including mobility and visual needs).
Practical applications and target users
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 is practical for:
- Architects and building designers specifying conference and public building spaces
- Acoustic and AV engineers integrating interpretation systems
- Venue owners and facility managers (conference centres, parliaments, courts, international organizations)
- Conference organisers and interpreter service providers setting up booths that meet professional and accessibility standards
- Standards bodies and procurement teams referencing compliance in tenders
Related standards & notes
- Use together with ISO 20109 (interpretation equipment requirements).
- See ISO 17651-3 for booths without direct view (under preparation).
- The document is technology-neutral and reflects recent technological developments in interpreting environments.
Keywords: EN ISO 17651-1:2024, simultaneous interpreting, interpreters’ working environment, permanent booths, booth design requirements, sound insulation, accessibility, HVAC, interpretation booth standards.
Relations
- Replaces
EN ISO 2603:2016 - Simultaneous interpreting - Permanent booths - Requirements (ISO 2603:2016) - Effective Date
- 11-May-2022
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
ICC Evaluation Service
Building products evaluation and certification.
QAI Laboratories
Building and construction product testing and certification.
Aboma Certification B.V.
Specialized in construction, metal, and transport sectors.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 1: Requirements and recommendations for permanent booths (ISO 17651-1:2024)". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design of permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new or existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters. This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for permanent booths which do not have a direct view of the room in which a communicative event takes place, see ISO 17651-3.[1] [1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3-2:2024.
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design of permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new or existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters. This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for permanent booths which do not have a direct view of the room in which a communicative event takes place, see ISO 17651-3.[1] [1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3-2:2024.
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.040.10 - Public buildings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 2603:2016, ISO 21542:2021, ISO 8995-1:2002, ISO 1182:2020, ISO 20109:2016, ISO 11925-3:1997, ISO 3382-2:2008, ISO 7730:2005, ISO 717-1:2020, ISO 16283-1:2014, ISO 717-2:2020, ISO 16283-2:2020, FprEN 16510-2-3, EN 1367-2:2009, EN 13629:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/516. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN ISO 17651-1:2024 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.