Integrating Sound Scattering Measurements in the Design of Complex Architectural Surfaces: Informing a parametric design strategy with acoustic measurements from rapid prototype scale models

Digital tools present the opportunity for incorporating performance analysis into the architectural design process. Acoustic performance is an important criterion for architectural design. There is much known about sound absorption but little about sound scattering, even though scattering is recognized to be one of the most important factors in predicting the computational prediction of acoustic performance. This paper proposes a workflow for the design of complex architectural surfaces and the prediction of their sound scattering properties. This workflow includes the development of computational design tools, geometry generation, fabrication of test surfaces, measurement of acoustic performance, and the incorporation of this data into the generative tool. The Hexagon Wall is included and discussed as an illustrative design study.