Matt Porter Acoustics Research

Acoustics in architectural space deal primarily with 3 issues: the source of a noise, the material with which the noise is transmitted, and the shape of the room it is heard in.

Noises primarily enter spaces through openings such as windows, doors, eaves, and roofs. To control the acoustics of a space these unwanted noises must be removed through proper treatment of these openings. Similarly, the location of the space relative to these noises can be changed to allow for greater distance or separation. Design of shared party walls to be acoustically dense can also add to an optimal acoustic environment.

Additionally, the material of a room can be designed such that noise levels or frequencies are kept within acceptable levels. The transmission material of the room (i.e. the medium the sound waves pass through) can be varied with the addition of water features to dampen noise reverberation and frequency. Wall panels made of materials that absorb sound waves (like cork, foam, or perforated panels) can be added to control transmission in a similar way.

Furthermore, the orientation of these panels, and other walls within the space, can be such that sound waves are focused towards a certain orientation or at a certain volume. Angles of reflection and reverberation factor into the direction of these waves after they contact the walls of the space. The floor arrangement (like the raked seats in a theater) can also shape the directionality of these waves.

Millenium Park and its extended enclosure.

EXAMPLE:
Millennium Park in Chicago is a pretty strong example of these factors at work. The stage enclosure, designed by Frank Gehry, is angled such that the sound from acts on the stage is directed towards the crowd. Additional systems of noise projection exist along the trellis grid overhead allowing for optimal noise distribution. As the site is outdoors the
reverberation and echoing is minimal however noise leakage to the surrounding environment is immense.