MA in Architecture - Technical Studies

RCA, London, 2014

Echoes in an Urban Sound Barrier

Prototype 1:1 Design
‘Far from Equilibrium’ - Fabrication of the Retrofit Element 

    Positioned on different surfaces, the pattern that I am designing is aiming to harvest as much energy possible using air. This energy will be used for the sound library and any other energy uses of the building (i.e. extra lighting). By applying the designed pattern on different façades and surfaces where the wind passes, the effect of a breathing or alive project is achieved. This is because the fabric is connecting the ears and it is moving along with the wind direction.
    The ear has been created using an air mesh fabric, similar to the one used for our shoes. It allows winds to pass through it without stopping them. Therefore, it will not lose any wind in order to generate energy.
    The “hitter” hits on a PVC membrane which has a piezoelectric ceramic buzzer underneath. This action creates the energy needed. Then this energy is kept and used for the facilities of the building.
Additional use of the ‘active’ prototype will give different sounds of percussion instruments. This is done with the Arduino.
    The scale of the prototype and the design of it is driven from the noise contours. It has been constructed considering the dimensions of the building. In addition, I applied the pattern to different façades and surfaces depending on the form and shape of the building. With simulating where the air passes most. Thus, giving more movement and life to a sculptural piece.
    The building acts as a sound barrier but at the same time as an experiencing space for sounds.
I constructed the structural body of this retrofitting device using moulds. A smooth surface, CNCed and then vacuum formed to get the final holding body.
    Secondly, the skin-ear was handmade, using wireframe metal and latex or other fabric. The piezoelectric membrane is adjusted at the size of the opening of the holding body structure.
    Finally, the bouncing air "bean" is 3DPrinted. A metal spiral is used for the flexibility of movement of the bean, according to different air flow directions.