The Fizz - Barcelona
Using advanced architecture tools such as digital fabrication and parametric design, we created a highly functional and aesthetic sound diffusing panel system.
Client: | Year: 2019 | Location: Barcelona, Spain | In collaboration with: Rani Kamel | Deepika Raghu | Andrea de Stasio
#architectualdesign #industrialdesign #architecture #parametricdesign
Concept
The photograph below depicts methane bubbles trapped inside a frozen lake which was the source of our inspiration. We wondered how their geometry could play a performative role in acoustics. In search of designing an innovative acoustic panel, we wanted to avoid the typical model of subtracting material and achieving a repetitive block with a texture. Instead, we aimed to create a sculptural panel that would deflect and break sound waves.
Our initial concept involved a collection of bubbles at varying heights. However, in optimizing the shape to work with the limitations of the CNC machine, we aligned the center point of all spheres. This way, we avoided cutting the same sheet of material from two sides which would double our cutting time.
Due to the diameter of the spheres (60mm), we determined that we would need to use at least two layers of material. Specifically, with 60mm diameter spheres, we needed to use 4 sheets of 15mm birch plywood.
The next step was to improve the depth of the panel by introducing a new layer of independent spheres as a second and third layer as per our fabrication strategy, adjust the parameters, and design the implementation on the final panel.
Digital Fabrication II – The Fizz is a project for IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master’s Program in Advanced Architecture in 2019 by:
Students: Rani Kamel, Deepika Raghu, Andrea de Stasio, Daniel Nahmias
Faculty: Lana Awad, Ricardo Mayor, Sujal Kodamadanchirayil
Assistants: Alaa Al Baroudi