Constellation 2.0; a responsive environment

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:20:38 +0000

Constellation 2.0; a responsive environment from Fishtnk on Vimeo.

Music + Architecture; introducing Tunable Sound Cloud

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:13:19 +0000

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

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.

Farnswoth wall

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:50:58 +0000

Farnsworth Wall is an architectural wall module that uses and harvests solar energy for illuminating indoor spaces. This application, using real-time responses to it’s surrounding environment, creates an engaging experience for people on site. The

Farnsworth wall is a modular paneling system built as a Structural Insulated Panel (S.I.P.) in a standard 4′X8′ size.

This module can be cut and applied to virtually any existing or new construction. A layer of solar panels on the exterior harvests and stores radiant energy and an embedded system of low-energy L.E.D. lights on the other side illuminates the interior space.

Farnswoth project is an ongoing research with Studio (n-1) at University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture. Sponsered by Shell Environmental Fund.

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