APD Week 10 - Play and Nature

By Yuxuan Hu (Estella)

Context:

When considering this week's theme, I started with the elements of nature. These are elements that cannot be seen visually, but can be effectively simulated or observed through some scientific techniques. This technology can help people to understand nature better. It is also possible to make better use of nature.

Method:

Firstly, modeling with rhino (closed model) and then adding a sound source and a receiver to the model, then giving materials to walls, ceilings, floors etc. and simulating the propagation and reflection of sound particles through the rhino plugin pachyderm acoustic (the cut off time used here (the cut off time used here is 100ms, the number of rays is 1000), wait for the computer to calculate and then select pachyderm animation to get the simulated sound particle diffusion map.

With this sound diffusion map, it is possible to design different materials and shapes for different applications. For example, multi-faceted diffusers are used in concert halls and cinemas as they reflect the sound many times and make the sound more three-dimensional. The diffuser is made of wood to reduce the absorption of sound by the diffuser.

Response:

In the process of making it, I just made a few simple models. The receiver and sound source were added to it to see the difference between the two different spaces. Afterwards, based on more investigation, I found that purely relying on rhino's pachyderm acoustic to simulate, the data can only provide a reference. For architectural purposes, professional calculations are required.

Reflection:

Humans first understand nature through scientific knowledge, then master it, and finally use it. This is a process of technological breakthrough and the beginning of ego inflation. Humans can exploit nature, but always with a sense of reverence. Nature is the beginning and the end of destruction.