Chemist here too but my ex was an sound consultant for an architectural firm. Iirc, different kinds of noises essentially are defined by the average amplitude

Chemist here too but my ex was an sound consultant for an architectural firm. Iirc, different kinds of noises essentially are defined by the average amplitude (energy) vs frequency function of the rng. For architects, it can be important to model noise to ensure your structure complies with for example OSHA regulations. There can be code regulations too if you're in an urban place and say putting residential on top of street level commercial spaces, especially bars that might be open late. Finally, for gathering/events spaces you want to have a situation where a PA/presentation system doesn't have to work hard to go over conversation noise. The energy profiles for all of these scenarios is empirically determined and "well known" in the community. The ex helped model the "death star" auditorium space at the academy of motion picture arts and sciences in LA. IIRC it sounds really aquarium-ey during normal times and during events they roll out strategically placed dampeners.