New Pedagogies: Acoustic Topologies

Architectural design greatly influences human experience within buildings by shaping perceptions of space. Besides its visual characteristics, architecture also generates auditory environments, shaping what occupants hear through the propagation of sound and surface reflections. While the study of acoustics has some roots in ancient construction, the foundation of this field was established in the nineteenth century (Long, 2005).

By delving into the fundamentals of acoustics and employing quantitative prototyping methods, this course examines the application of the acoustic performance-based design (APBD) method. It aims to pose a crucial question: to what degree does the integration of acoustic considerations into the design process influence the development of architecturally performative spaces, thereby averting the relegation of acoustics to a mere afterthought in the design phase? How can the versatile capabilities of emerging technology and material systems be harnessed to enhance acoustic efficacy?