The Sound of Space: Designing Acoustics with Presence or Discretion
Briefly

The Sound of Space: Designing Acoustics with Presence or Discretion
"Sound, when emitted by a source - whether a person or a piece of equipment - propagates in all directions through space, being reflected, absorbed, transmitted, or diffracted as it encounters surfaces and objects. As a result, every environment has its own acoustic quality, often difficult to perceive without a trained ear or eyes. But sound shapes architecture in subtle yet profound ways, directly influencing how"
"For this, architects can follow two main paths: making acoustics visible as expressive design features, or integrating them seamlessly into the architecture so they become imperceptible. Both strategies require technical rigor and can significantly influence spatial character and this choice need not be absolute, as many projects combine seamless surfaces in some areas with striking elements in others. What matters is the ability to calibrate acoustic performance with spatial character, ensuring that technical precision aligns with the intended user experience."
Sound moves omnidirectionally and interacts with surfaces by reflecting, absorbing, transmitting, or diffracting, creating distinct acoustic qualities in every environment. Acoustic conditions affect concentration, learning, healing, and audience engagement, yet often receive less attention than visual or structural considerations. A toolkit of absorption, diffusion, insulation, and strategic design can manage noise, lower reverberation, and improve clarity. Architects can either reveal acoustic elements as expressive features or conceal them within seamless architecture, and many projects combine both approaches while calibrating technical performance to match intended spatial character and user experience.
Read at ArchDaily
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