Prototype cells: Acoustic diffusion wall system

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: This project on prototype cells for an acoustic diffusion wall system was selected for the Prototyping Architecture exhibition featuring architects, engineers, manufacturers, product designers, academics and artists to explore the importance of prototypes in the delivery of high quality experimental design. The exhibited cells were selected items from a range of geometric and material mock-ups and tests, used to identify suitable options for production and to understand those that enabled significant design impact. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION This project is a rare example of architectural design research that draws on: 1) architectural design research into strategies for designing around performance criteria in early stage design through the integration of digital simulation; (2) architectural research into the potential of digital fabrication technologies to contribute significant advantages in prototyping and testing of design ideas within architectural design processes; and (3) acoustic research that recognises the emergence of acoustic diffusion as a contributor to acoustic comfort. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Funded by The Social Science & Humanities Research Council of Canada, the exhibition was curated by Professor Michael Stacey, Director of the Architecture and Tectonics Research Group of the Architecture and Urbanism Research Division (University of Nottingham), in conjunction with the Building Centre Trust. This project was selected alongside works by leading figures in the field including Barkow Leibinger, Renzo Piano Building Wokshop, Philip Beesley Architect inc., Yves Ebnoether, and Zaha Hadid Architects. The exhibition was accompanied by the Prototyping Architecture conference in London. Further peer review was achieved via invitations to exhibit at two other high-profile venues: the Building Centre, London and the Cambridge Galleries, Ontario, Canada.