Formula 1 noise prediction, International
ARD has developed a real-time prediction algorithm for the noise emitted by car racing around a track as it is received at the façade of any building within vicinity of the track. This was our answer to the complex problem where:
- There is only a few car (approximately 20), not a continuous flow
- The track is a close and twisted loop so it cannot be approximated by a line source as typical roads are for a single building
- They are grouped together at the beginning of the race but spread over the entire track by the end of the race (there must be first and last)
- The event is only a few hours (shorter than what most existing standards permit).
This was a lot of fun and returns the LAeq,1s for each façade, for each car and its spectrum. The algorithm is similar to having a noise logger on site. But mostly, it is fun to work on and improve.
Ethiopian National Theatre Project, Addis Ababa
ARD is happy to join Kling Consult GmbH & Co. International KG, BWKI GmbH and t2o Engineers for the design and construction of this 2000-seat theatre in Addis Ababa.
Ulster Orchestra, Belfast
ARD and our good friends at Irwin Acoustics have been engaged to carry out a feasibility study for the conversion of the Townsend Street Church into a permanent rehearsal room for the Ulster Symphony Orchestra. The objective is to answer critical questions: is the church a good idea? What would it take to make it work? What immediate actions are required and what can be deferred?
Hanzhong Tianhan Grand Theater, China
ARD was asked to conduct the acoustic simulations and optimisation of the interior design for the 1200-seat main theatre of the Hanzhong Grand Theatre development. The research work will focus on a new orchestra pit design and diffusion pattern generator. The project itself is a 30,000m2 development and is located in the Binjiang New District of the central city of Hanzhong.
COVID19 in Performing Arts Centres, International
ARD and our good friends at Revery Architecture and Paul Hennig Consulting Limited are undergoing a thorough study of the impact of COVID19 pandemic on the design of performing arts centres. This includes crowd management, the design of the venue itself but also its front of house, back of house and their operations.
Blackbox Theatre Generator, International
ARD is building a generative algorithm to assist architects during concept, masterplanning and feasibility studies to quickly develop a 3D model of a blackbox theatre that would fit the available footprint. The algorithm would generate a sufficiently detailed and correct concept for the architect and consultants to save time. It is not meant to replace a design workshop with theatre and acoustic consultant, but allow for a reasonably accurate estimation of the volumetry, levels and key characteristics. Parameters include of course the available footprint, but also the acting area dimensions and gallery heights. The algorithm generates automatically the telescopic seating based on local fire regulations (width of aisles), seat width and row to row spacing. The 3D sightlines are then compiled in real-time and permits an optimisation of the concept.
This is work in progress of course. It is developed directly in Grasshopper for Rhino without much coding at this stage but works smoothly on standard single 3.2GHz core and basic Intel graphic card.
Contact us if you are interested in this project.
Room Acoustics generative algorithm, International
ARD is building a generative algorithm for architects and acousticians: a room estimator. Although the graphic part is basic it allows one to play with surface areas of acoustic treatment, dimensions of rooms and a few other key parameters. It calculates Eyring and Sabine’s reverberation times and return the “recipe” in very general terms.
This is not a design, it does not tell how the acoustic absorption should be distributed, nor does it consider critical design features for high end room acoustic projects (diffusion, variability, residual absorption in constructions…). But it is a “sizing” tool that populate bills of quantities that are acoustically correct. It also allows the generation of rows of 3D models that can be stacked and arranged by the architect.
It is also currently limited to rectangular geometries of course, but we are working on angle specification, room modes and flutter detections.
This is work in progress of course. It is developed directly in Grasshopper for Rhino without much coding at this stage but work smoothly on standard single 3.2GHz core and basic Intel graphic card.
Contact us if you are interested in this project.
Acoustic Research & Design Ltd 