Project:

artifacts. The Resonant Chamber system

we can understand acoustic space. That

consists of a continuous origami-based

is why acoustic experimentation is so

kinetic surface composed of reflective,

important. Empirical investigations will

absorptive, and electro-acoustic elements

eventually make us hear forms, materials

that will enable the transformation of non

and perspectives.

purpose-built architectural spaces into

—Bernhard Leitner, 1985

acoustically specific environments. We

Geoffrey Thün Kathy Velikov Wes McGee anticipate that its capabilities for dynamic formal and material variation, as well as

Resonant Chamber aims to develop dynamic

embedded electro-acoustic sound control

and acoustically responsive environments

and production, will be able to produce

that vary radically from traditional, static

multiple spatial, sonic, and performative

acoustic spaces. The highly specific

outcomes.

Research Through Making

Our personal experience is the only way

combinations of material and form that

describe the ancient Greek amphitheatre,

Resonant Chamber is designed as a thick,

medieval cathedrals, or the contemporary

suspended, kinetic surface, transformable

opera house were developed in response

through the geometric properties of rigid

to the acoustic demands of the aural and

origami into variable spatial configurations.

performance types. They have also informed

Distributed linear actuators that transform

and shaped the compositional formats and

folding geometry and orientation drive

performance techniques of the aural modes

the surficial modification of the system. A

they house. Resonant Chamber integrates

track-mounted system of stepper motors

a kinetic and materially specific structure

from which the surface is suspended

with sensing and actuation technologies

allows adjustment to the overall spatial

into a smart material assembly. The

positioning of the system. This kinetic

design and prototyping process mobilizes

performance is predicated upon the

computational and parametric tools for

behavior of forces distributed through

spatial and acoustic simulation as well as

the fold lines of the origami pattern’s

digital design and fabrication techniques

organizing geometry. Synchronized

towards the development of highly

actuation transforms the surface height,

customizable and geometrically precise

location, and curvature in space in order

Thün | Velikov | McGee

Faculty:

121

Resonant Chamber