Modular kinetic system proposal with responsive design approach for acoustic paneling systems

Abstract

The regular needs of people are dynamic as they had never been before, thanks to the rapid increase in technological developments. Architectural components are also affected by this dynamism with the integration of new computer and communication technologies into daily life. As a consequence, research and development on interactive and adaptive building elements became a rising trend in the architectural community. Moreover, in today's architecture, the computational approach has become a tool for designing intelligent spaces, rather than being a tool for designing ordinary spaces. Due to this trend, using algorithms, computations, and intelligent systems in designed environments became essential, considering that it is playing an undeniable role in the interactivity of a space. The most common reflection of interactivity on architecture is the "responsive" design approach. In today's world, there is a good quantity of building elements that are intelligent enough to respond to changing heat, sound, light, and humidity levels. Among them, exterior surface components are commonly subject to heat and light control. On the other hand, interior components are more related to sound-related inputs such as noise control and acoustic comfort. Auditory input is already a key element during the daily interactions of living beings, as it warns of impending danger. Followed by survival instincts, acoustic comfort becomes essential for both physical and mental health. Studies show that there is a significant amount of association between acoustical comfort and the well-being of living beings. Prolonged and repeated exposure to poor acoustic comfort, especially an uncontrolled noise environment, can cause anxiety, headaches, and many more stress-related health conditions. Therefore, it is a must-consider topic in both natural and man-made environments. However, we encounter acoustic discomfort often, and in its most common form called "noise". It is also a fact that as much as the noise causes health issues, aimlessly and excessively quiet acoustic conditions can lead to a feeling of detachment, considering the lack of background sound might cause disassociation from the related environment, leading to mental health problems in the following term. The conventional approach to deal with this problem is to add static, non-adaptive, sound-absorbing, or scattering materials to problematic space. Since there is multidimensional dynamism in space, design requirements should consult for the noise levels of various scenarios that can occur throughout the day, especially for multifunctional places. This thesis focuses on the research and development of sound-absorbing responsive panels as indoor system solutions.