Immersive Explorations of Architectural Acoustics

We are constantly experiencing acoustics in our daily lives, in our homes, working spaces, or outdoors. Every space has its unique acoustic character, which is the result of its geometry and the materials of its surfaces. It is becoming increasingly apparent that room acoustics should be included in the design process, alongside light and material, to design the atmosphere of spaces. Yet, as Raymond M. Schafer said, "the modern architect is designing for deaf. His ears are stuffed with bacon".

Overview

In this seminar week, we go on a journey to explore, experience, and understand acoustics. We will record the soundscapes of different spaces, listen to them, and compare them inside the Immersive Design Lab (IDL) of ETH Zurich at Hönggerber. We will learn how to perform multichannel audio recordings using high-order ambisonic microphones, process these recordings using REAPER, and finally, use the 75 speakers inside the IDL to reproduce different soundscapes.

Experts will introduce you to the fundamentals of sound and the basic principles of acoustic design. Finally, we will visit the SE MUSICLAB in Bern, and have a tour inside the Opera House of Zurich.

idl
Immersive Design Lab © Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich 2020.
se musiclab
SE Musiclab © ant design
You can check the seminar week's program by visiting the Schedule page. Please make sure to prepare your computers before coming to the seminar week by following the installation instruction listed in the Resources page.