Posts Tagged ‘Design’
TSC [Tunable Sound Cloud] 1.0
Tunable Sound Cloud 1.0
Tunable Sound Cloud is a responsive architectural application that allows for real-time modification and enhancement of acoustic performance of space. TSC focuses on our auditory experience of architecture.
Designed with a responsive modular structure and interactive smart surface.
Interfaced through Grasshopper/Rhino 3D modeling tool + Max/MSP software.
Actuated with Arduino micro-controllers/geared motors + SMA wires.
Tunable Sound Cloud 1.0 from Fishtnk on Vimeo.
Parkdale Chair
“Parkdale chair” is made with off cuts of other studies in the Parachair collection. Designed in parametric design platforms has allowed for more efficient use of resources. Working with CNC machines and other CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) technologies usually results in large amount of waste and unsalvageable leftover materials. The parametric design platform allowed for better analysis and use of the off-cuts.
Parkdale chair is a small lounge chair made with white-birch plywood and felt cushions. The flexible back is uniquely design to accommodate different body types and proportions.
Three; an explodable chair
“Three” was designed in early 2009 as part of Parachair collection.
Parachair was a series of studies and prototypes focused on Parametrically designed furniture with capability of mass customization.
Using negative space as a design element, it frames three hollow cushions to become a chair.
Three was designed with removable components with magnetic joinery to be taken apart easily to become three cushions.
Music + Architecture; introducing Tunable Sound Cloud
Tunable Sound Cloud
Beyond acoustics in music performance halls; a responsive sound system for architecture.
My research on Music+Architecture started in 2003 with Professor Gulzar Haider at Carleton School of Architecture. Since then I have been meandering between the two arts/sciences [debatable.] This 6 year search has resulted in a number of art pieces, installations and architectural projects that I will try to dig out and add to this blog as I go. During these years I have learned/worked/collaborated with many different artists,professors, students. hopefully I will get chance to mention their contributions when I talk more about the projects.
It is my goal to keep this research as collaborative as possible and make it a platform for open-source architecture.
In one paragraph:
The Tunable Sound Cloud is a proposal for a layered three dimensional dynamic spaceframe that adjusts to it’s environment with linear actuators driven by micro-controllers. The self-supporting structure, being a ceiling application, is made of an array of triangulated modules that are hinged to one another and folds on itself.The responsive surface layer, actuated with memory alloy wires (muscle wires) will control the apertures of the surface to adjust sound reflection or sound absorption to enhance the acoustic performance of the space.
Intro:
Looking at music in different time periods, from dark ages to baroque, high classical era to twenty first century experimental music, there is a relationship between the architecture of spaces music is composed and performed and how the music is written. In today’s modern or trans-modern era we design we design multi-purpose performance halls and spaces that are so generic that could accommodate any music and program.
I will be looking at responsive systems in architecture and music to design a tunable performance space that could be adjusted to meet the absolute sound requirements for a specific sound performance.
Baroque period 1600-1750

Interior view of Coutances' cathedral, department of Manche, Francephotograph by: Eric Pouhier
Baroque period 1600-1750
Interior view of Coutances' cathedral, department of Manche, Francephotograph by: Eric Pouhier
- Musicians: Bach,Handel,Vivaldi,…
- Architecture: Gothic architecture
- Reverb 3.0-3.2 sec
- Special characteristics of that era: Unaccompanied music ,Contrasting music and vocals
Classical period 1750-1820
- Musicians: Mozart, Beethoven,Haydn,…
- Architecture: Neoclassical architecture
- Reverb 1.8-2.0
- Special characteristics of that era:More popular- published music as entertainment result change in scale of Venue [architecture],More complexity and layering
Romantic Period 1820-1920
- Bayreuth Festspielhaus
- Musicians: Schubert, Puccini, Wagner,…
- Architecture: Neoclassical +Art Nouveau
- Reverb 1.8-2.2
- Special characteristics of that era: Sound/Acoustical engineering,More color and tone in the music, Wagner designs the 1st opera house for his own performance. 1924 grand opera dies; Turandot, puccini.
Modern and Contemporary

Einstein on the Beach 1976
- Musicians: Philip Glass, John Cage, …
- Architecture: Modern architecture
- Reverb: Electronically controlled
- Special characteristics of that era: Music becomes an multimedia performance enhanced by electronic devices.
programmatic topic [the proposal]
Sketches:
This study looks at a dynamic ceiling structure made with two layers:
Spaceframe-structure [Bones]
Surface [Skin]
Structure:
The structure is based on a series of hinged triangular spaceframes, connected and actuated at the top center of the frame to the adjacent frames.
Preliminary sketch of the structural layer:
Skin:
Tunable Sound Cloud; Responsive Surface Study from Fishtnk on Vimeo.
Above is a study of the surface movement with Nitinol wires to control the sound behavior for the Tunable Sound Cloud Project.This study is designed as a 10X10 grid of micro responsive modules [10X10mm units] to control the acoustic properties of the surface.
the physical prototype :
Tunable Sound Cloud, prototype tile from Fishtnk on Vimeo.
below is a study of the system, interfaced through Grasshopper and Rhino modeling platforms, the ceiling structure of the Tunable Sound Cloud is controlled and adjusted to accommodate different acoustical settings.
Actuated with Arduino micro-controller and servo motors.
Tunable Sound Cloud _ responsive ceiling surface from Fishtnk on Vimeo.
Bulbnest; non-parametric light collection
Insipred by the animals architectural instincts, specifically bird-nest construction this collection is a study for a series of hand crafted light-shades. The lights are all handmade and the fabrication process makes each piece unique.
The bulbnest Collection is available at fishtnk shop!
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Refrences:
Oropendola nest.
Osprey nest
Hornero nest
Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour





























