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Reflection & Refraction

Type
Sound Museum
Location
Conceptual design
Instructor
Prof. Sasa Zivkovic
Prof. Felix Heisel
T.A. Oonagh Davis
Year
2020

Working with sound as a medium and the pores and layers of a sponge as a formal starting point, this project explores the relationship between geometry, openings, and bodily perception. Studies of sound reflection and paper models develop into a wearable device, then into a sound museum set within an undulating landscape.

Interconnected polyhedral chambers of different sizes bring the paths of sound into dialogue with the movement of visitors. Rather than treating sound only as an exhibit, the museum explores how openings, enclosed volumes, and terrain can make listening part of the spatial experience.

Polyhedral paper models comparing closed and open pentagonal flaps
Polyhedral Module · Opening Configurations
Front view of the wearable acoustic device with pentagonal flaps closed
Wearable Device · Closed / Front
Front view of the wearable acoustic device with pentagonal flaps open
Wearable Device · Open / Front
Side view of the closed wearable acoustic device surrounding the mouth and ear
Wearable Device · Closed / Side
Side view of the wearable acoustic device with its hinged openings unfolded
Wearable Device · Open / Side

Adjustable Acoustic Boundaries

The wearable study places polyhedral modules around the mouth and ears, using the body as a reference for producing and receiving sound. A pentagonal flap on each face remains attached along one edge and can fold inward or outward. Different opening states explore reflection within a chamber and the exchange of sound between its interior and surroundings.

The modules interlock through their openings rather than being glued into a rigid assembly, allowing them to shift with the wearer. Front and side views compare the open and closed configurations; the articulated drawing records the connections between individual units.

Articulated drawing of the wearable device showing interconnected polyhedral modules
Articulated Module Study

From Modules to Five Chambers

At an architectural scale, the modules become chambers that visitors can enter. Comparisons of module size, surface angle, and opening position use schematic sound paths to explore the relationship between geometry and reflection. The final proposal combines three equally sized modules with one larger and one smaller chamber, turning the wearable assembly into a sequence of inhabitable volumes.

Comparison of five faceted module sizes with schematic red sound-reflection paths
Chamber Scale and Sound Paths

Shaped by the Terrain

The sponge's porous structure is extended into a landscape of hollows, hills, and passages. Rather than placing intact regular solids on a level surface, the proposal adjusts the orientation and elevation of adjoining chambers to meet the terrain. The circulation study traces paths through the five chambers and the surrounding contours, linking the sequence of spaces to changes in the ground.

Site circulation study with red paths passing through the sound museum and surrounding contours
Terrain and Sound Circulation

From Physical Model to Spatial Experience

Physical models study how the five chambers meet the folded terrain, with closer views revealing pentagonal openings and the connections between volumes. The perspective collages then introduce the scale of visitors moving, pausing, and looking between chambers. Enclosed spaces overlap with gaps in the landscape, proposing an experience of listening that changes with the visitor's position and orientation.

Faceted acoustic model with pentagonal openings
Physical Model · Chamber Assembly
Polyhedral acoustic model on crumpled terrain
Physical Model · Terrain Connection
Faceted paper acoustic model across crumpled terrain
Physical Model · Chamber Openings
Overall perspective collage showing visitors among the sound museum's linked chambers and rocky terrain
Spatial Collage · Building and Terrain
Arrival perspective collage through connected polyhedral chambers on the slope
Spatial Collage · Approach and Connections
Interior perspective collage with visitors listening and moving between chamber openings
Spatial Collage · Interior Experience