Aspects of Sound as Design Driver: Parametric Design of an Acoustic Ceiling

The academic project presented within this paper dealt with the development and fabrication of a customized acoustic structure combining various analogue and digital design methods. The aim was to improve the acoustic situation in an office space and at the same time to represent the clients working philosophy, which is rooted in parametric design itself. The methodical framework originates from the idea of design as the resolution of “wicked” problems in the sense of Rittel and Webber (1973). It is a bottom-up approach, conceptualized to allow for a broad exploration of the design subject. Different aspects of sound have informed the process—from the conceptual stage until the detailed geometrical formulation of the structure. We used artistic experiments, designerly interpretations of sound emitting patterns, sound engineering expertise, physical sound measurement, digital simulation of sound performance properties and parametric geometry modelling. Our paper focusses on two aspects. First, the methodology developed and used to create, integrate and transform knowledge gained from different acoustic analysis and interpretation techniques into the design process. Examples will highlight benefits and difficulties encountered. Among the latter, especially aspects of acoustic simulation will be discussed. Second, we demonstrate some key aspects of the final design: the acoustic concept and the strategies used for modelling and fabrication.