Acoustics - ad Rem!
Lecture | Renz van Luxemburg
Date | Monday November 22nd 2010, 19:00h
Location | Akademie der bildenden Künste Room R211a
The role of an acoustic consultant is to support and guide the designer to guarantee maximum quality for the client and maximum functionality to the users. The approach of a designer is research oriented (to explore new visions). The acoustic approach is more physics based, where the client wants guaranty (often grounded on proven solutions). So it is obvious every design concept must be balanced to such approaches.
The projects of OMA are the best examples of complex integrated design. In every project the consultants are challenged to come with solutions no one experienced before. As a consequence the design team has to cope with potential disbelief from clients and their advisers. At the same time such disbelief is the best context for new innovative solutions. Participating in this kind of projects requires a great understanding of architecture as well as a flexible and innovative attitude. It is impossible to do consultancy on a high level without scientific research.
Sometimes architectural concepts raise questions that initiate new research. An example is the study of a new parameter to describe the acoustics on a stage of a concert hall for symphonic music. The need for such a parameter came up in relation to the design of the canopy for Casa da Música in Porto.
Examples of OMA projects we worked on with some unconventional architectural and unconventional scenographic solutions will be presented in this lecture. The acoustic approach in these projects was focused on the maximum freedom for the architect and client by controlling the acoustic energy propagation in the hall. This understands deep understanding of acoustics and architecture. The acoustic concepts of the projects will be elucidated.