Projects

Computational design and optimization of special acoustic reflectors

Shuai Lu, Densil Cabrera, Jonothan Holmes, Yuxiao Chen, Mary Rapp

School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the University of Sydney
Australia

Specular and diffusive reflections are common in architectural acoustics. We investigated a third type, retroreflection, where sound energy is reflected back to the source, regardless of where the source is, using computational design methods including parametric modelling, wave-based simulation with parallel computing, optimization, and physical simulator. The design and optimization of cube-corner retroreflectors and Van-Atta retroreflectors for architectural acoustics are introduced. Practical applications in open-plan spaces and for singing practice are also presented.