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A Simulation-Validated Shape Grammar for Architectural Acoustics

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Abstract

A visual language for designs of acoustical arrays is defined by a shape grammar that deploys design rules using shape representations of acoustic panels with labels and weights to specify known formal and performative information. Reciprocal 3-D acoustic plots are computationally simulated using a perfectly matched layer finite element method and inform how the interactions of invisible sound waves are impacted by visual design decisions. This paper presents the results of this framework with 3 × 3 arrays of diffusers and absorbers, resulting in the introduction of an aesthetic value \(~\bar{E}\), incorporated with the diffusion coefficient, allowing for nuanced objective performative evaluation of these arrays. This ultimately leads to creative visual expressions of design rooted in acoustic theory and performance.

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Acknowledgements

All images are by the authors. The authors would like to thank Elijah Racz, from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis for his work with the acoustic simulations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA

    Jonathan Dessi-Olive

  2. Department of Music and Arts Technology, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Timothy Hsu

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  1. Jonathan Dessi-Olive
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  2. Timothy Hsu
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Correspondence to Jonathan Dessi-Olive.

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Dessi-Olive, J., Hsu, T. A Simulation-Validated Shape Grammar for Architectural Acoustics. Nexus Netw J 24, 55–73 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-021-00583-8

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