Project Proposal: Optimization of a component based shell for both structural and acoustic performance.

The objective would be to design a small, self-supporting pavilion whose geometry and material contributed to muffling the sound from sources external to it, and amplifying the sound from sources internal to it, allowing its occupants to communicate comfortably. Both the acoustic and structural aspects would involve optimization of the form and tesselation. Case Studies: Architectural Projects: Structural Shells: Heinz Isler in Switzerland Philips Pavilion, by Le Corbusier and Iannis Xenakis, shell structure housing an acoustic performance. Optimizations for Acoustic Conditioning: Stanford Universitys Bing Concert Hall, Ennead Archtects. Optimization of sound by Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acousticss, using custom made software. Historical Optimization Precedents: Evolution of the acoustic guitar: Since emerging as a more or less recognizable item in the late 16th Century, the guitars constituents(soundboard size, shell materials, string materials, assemblage systems) evolved and finally stabilized in a form that became socially and culturally prevalent. Gothic Cathedrals(flying buttresses): By taking structural stress away from the walls, the flying buttresses allowed the envelope of the Gothic cathedrals to become lighter.

Natural Optimization Precedents: Honeycomb: natural structure composed of discrete components. Tropism: growth or turning movement of a biological organism, usually a plant, in response to an environmental stimulus Optimization of Component Based Structure: 3d2real: MDF Honeycomb. Transparent Honeycomb wall whose cells are designed to lead vision to specific focal points on the other side of the barrier. Honeycomb Helmholtz resonator. Thesis project by Pablo Banda Perez, Federico Santa Maria Technical University 2009. Repetition of an acoustic dampening device as a component of a self-supporting structure. Using Rhino3d+Grasshopper.

Expo 1958 Philips Pavilion

Heinz Isler in Switzerland

Stanford Universitys Bing Concert Hall, Ennead Architects

Sound optimization: Yasuhisa Toyota, Nagata Acousticss

Evolution of the Acoustic Guitar

ILEK Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, University of Stuttgart

ILEK Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, University of Stuttgart

Honeycomb Helmholtz resonator, Pablo Banda Perez, UTFSM 2009

Honeycomb Helmholtz resonator, Pablo Banda Perez, UTFSM 2009

NERI OXMAN Experiments in Structural Columns Formations 2009, CNC milled Acrylic, Urethane Rubber and Polyurethane Casting Resin Composites Museum of Science, Boston Stalasso Mineralization processes form many natural structures and introduce metals, such as gold, into a rock. The resulting rock composition is stiffer and stronger. By using the ratio of stiff to soft materials, Stalasso mimics these mineralization processes for design purposes. This leads to construction based on performance requirements. For example, a bed, a table or a buildings ceiling could be tailored to respond to different weights across its surface according to specific requirements and preferences.

Furniture Design Informed by Gaudis Parabolic Structures by Studio Bram Geenen