Invisible to the human eye; profoundly impacting to architectural appeal.
What is this invisible presence altering the human experience in design and architecture?
Acoustics
“Acoustics is the interdisciplinary science that deals with the study of all mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and solids including topics such as vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound. The application of acoustics is present in almost all aspects of modern society.” -Wikipedia
The aesthetic design of any space is apparent at first impression. Walking into a hotel lobby, restaurant, or office building; it’s easy to decipher personal likes and dislikes within one’s surroundings. Because many elements of design are tangible, the appeal is easy to explain. High ceilings, fine art, dimmed lighting, color selections – all can be identified and easily described. A far greater challenge, however, is to point to specifics in the acoustical contributions to the space…unless you happen to be an acoustical engineer, of course.
“Often the sound of a place is so pervasive that we stop noticing what we hear. Or we think the sound could not be otherwise — that is, until we, say, turn off the buzzing overhead lights.” –Michael Kimmelman, NY Times
In his recent New York Times article, “Dear Architects: Sound Matters”, Michael Kimmelman demonstrates the variations of sound and the impact it can have on architecture and experience.
Experience the Impact of Sound
Take a walk through the city with Kimmelman [HERE] …and experience the profound impact acoustics can make.
Acoustics. It’s a beautiful thing.
If you’re working on your latest design, or even if you’re just curious and would like to learn more about acoustics and the ways CENSEO can enhance the ambiance of a space, contact our team today! We’d love to talk acoustics and learn more about what you’re working on!
Source: New York Times
