Page 28 - Summer2022

TEACHING ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS Figure 3. Examples of two projects addressing a rectilinear grid at different scales. Top and center left: reimagining 24" × 24" wood space couplers/acoustical diffusers typically used in recording studios into an inhabitable grid (red figures). Bottom left and right: students developing a sculptural tectonic construct to provide acoustical diffusion at a prescribed window location. model into reimagined constructs within its surroundings. Both projects in Figure 3 reference a grid, but the results differ in relation to how sound interacts with occupants. Students also develop design concepts through the lens of the COTE measures that include categories applicable to acoustics. Students have also packaged course projects into submittals for student competitions, resulting in local and national recognition by the AIA. Acoustic Elective and Independent Study Courses The Sound of Shaped Space, a reoccurring acoustic elective General Education course for upper division undergraduate and graduate students of various majors, has been offered periodically since spring 2011. This course began from pre- viously developed topics and objectives during my adjunct positions at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and Kansas State University, Manhattan, dating back to 2004. It grew from an interest to share acoustical theory, vocabu- lary, applications, and the relationship to architectural space through material selections, MEP systems, environmental noise, and precedent projects with students. Students have enrolled in the course based on previous student word of mouth, hearing about the course from their advisor, or an interest in learning more about acoustics after having me as a previous professor or project reviewer. The course has been composed of a variety of different major and minor areas of study across the university and provides a welcomed 28 Acoustics Today • Summer 2022