Abstract:
A computer-controlled architectural modeling system was developed to allow the enclosure and materials of a room to be rapidly and precisely varied for acoustical testing using ultrasonic sparks and miniature microphones at various scales (depending upon the size of the model room to be tested). A system of stepper motors moves segmented wall, ceiling, and floor panels of a large, flexible enclosure. The walls, ceiling, and floor can be moved to configure a wide variety of rooms from a small lecture room to a large arena. The locations and angles of the enclosing surfaces of the room for multiple design motifs can be stored in the memory of the computer. One can then push several keystrokes to reconfigure the room and proceed with acoustical testing and simulation using the acoustical research instrumentation for architectural spaces (ARIAS) system. Impulse responses, acoustical measurements, and aural simulations from alternative designs can be compared at the earliest stages of the design process when one is considering basic choices of finish materials, room shape, and wall angles. [Work supported by NSF.]