RSUSSH 2020
IN20-267 Form Finding of a Classical Music Learning Center using Sound Wave
Presenter: Walaiporn Nakapan
Rangsit University, Thailand
Abstract
This thesis is a Classical Music Learning Center project for people lacking experience in learning music theory can explore and practice. It is designed using the principle of Formation of parametric design. In this particular approach, our concept is to use classical music as an input for a form finding process. The research question is “How can sound waves be used to design the architectural form of the Classical Music Learning Center through the form finding process?”. The methodology is experimental design. It consists of conducting the form finding experiment with sound waves from classical music pieces, using parametric design. Then an evaluation is performed using 5 scale Likert against criteria of aesthetic, function, access, and structure. The result shows that sound waves from classical music pieces can be converted into architectural forms. This form finding process can be achieved through parametric tools (Rhino-grasshopper plugins) using the information of frequency, note, and volume from the sound wave. The design becomes the overall roof structure of the Classical Music Learning Center that expresses the curviness of the sound wave.
Citation format:
Nakapan, W., & Saengpukdi, T.. (2020). Form Finding of a Classical Music Learning Center using Sound Wave. Proceeding in RSU International Research Conference, May 1, 2020. Pathum Thani, Thailand.QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
it's really interesting result. Do you think that this form of architectural design will be suitable for the surround system in theater?
Dear Ajarn Mallika, thank you for your interesting question. The form that you see, that is the result of this experiment is for the Classical music learning center. However, the shape of the theatre itself is a fan shape, which is fitted inside. The fan shape theatre is similar to the site curve, so it was chosen to fit into the building.
The advantage of the fan shape theatre is that it can provide many seatings while the cost of investment is not very high. However, it is not the best option for acoustics (Classical music performance uses an acoustic system, rather than a surround system). Since each wall is separated resulting in the dispersion of sound. The bad spot usually occurs in the middle of the theatre. A solution to this is to make walls with angles as small as possible. The wall angles should be greater than 90 but not more than 115 degrees. The rear wall tends to be concave in order to help with the acoustics.
It is an impressive attemp to find other alternative ways of architectural form finding but don’t you think that it would be interesting if you put the architectural design factors such as functional purpose, visual artistic perception in the form generation process along with music notes? Thank you.
Thank you Ajarn Pawornpod for your comments. Yes, the form generation process will be more interesting if it is coupled with functional and aesthetic purposes. This will make a complete "Formation" process in parametric design. However, the form-finding approach in this research is an early work so your suggestion can be part of our future works.
The music used in as a design tool are very enhancing and exciting, This method of using digital data to generate a new shape and form, is surely interesting. On that note, I would like to know the limitation of human input interm of usage and experience in term of design criteria, to enable us to also enjoy the space as well as the structure. Thank you
Thank you Ajarn Anutorn for your interesting question. First, we have found a form for the Classical Music Learning Center. This curvy shape has interesting features, one of them is that it gives good lighting effect. Then, regarding the user experience, we have designed some space with a translucent ceiling pattern that allows the light to shine through. The users can experience it as they walk by. Also, the interior of the concert hall should reflect the curvy feature of the structure.