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:
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Resonant Chamber