Sonic Domes – Solving Acoustic Performance of Curved Surfaces by Interfacing Parametric Design, Structural Engineering and Acoustic Analysis

Abstract

This paper addresses the acoustic performance of complex curved surface geometries that are commonly known to pose problems of sound concentration, thus affecting speech intelligibility and audience experience in spaces of temporal arts performance. It reviews an open system of design research in which parametric design process, structural analysis and acoustic analysis are deployed to improve the sound of ellipsoidal structures in relation to sound source and audience positions, by adapting the height, dimension and centre point of a dome structure, consequently improving the acoustic behaviour of the performance space. The paper discusses an iterative design, analysis and optimization processes, in which a number of generative form variations were developed in Grasshopper, and reworked in McNeel Rhino, tested in engineering software (Strand7), and evaluated in acoustic simulation (ODEON). This allowed an interdisciplinary team to develop, test and evolve a design proposal that shows one solution for avoiding sound concentration and consequently improving acoustic performance in complex intersecting and curved geometries of a multifunctional building.