Bobby Esposito: Looking Out Week 9

A design firm, called Arup, has developed a Sound Lab which uses ambisonics to demonstrate how a space will sound before it's even built. The firm "used 2D and 3D sound ray traces and visualizations, acoustical scale models and computer models, measurement comparisons, and benchmarking studies to compare spaces." This type of system has never been created before and will allow designers to compare the worlds most successful theaters with their own at the click of a mouse. Another advantage is that designers can change things in the model and the Sound Lab will update in realtime, allowing a less time consuming and more successful end product. In London, the firm set up the BE OPEN Sound Portal in Trafalgar Square, London which allows users to experience space through sound. The Sound Portal works with artists to create sonic manifestations of architecture, which is awesome!