Ecotect's acoustical analysis tools demonstrate here how circles diffuse sound. Because sound waves travel in a spherical pattern, the circular shape allows it to project and spread evenly from the source. Ecotect allows you to view the acoustical analysis in different ways. Above is one in circular waves and another with evenly spaced waves coming out spherically.
DOES ANY CONVEX CURVE DIFFUSE SOUND EVENLY?
NO. I tested this by making a plane and an ellipse in Revit and importing it into Ecotect. The above picture (with the yellow rays) demonstrates that ellipses send a strong focus of sound forward and more off to the side than circles, but not much diagonally. An ellipse would make a poor reflection surface for a stage backdrop, yet its acoustical properties may appeal to unusually shaped venues that want to reflect more sound to the sides while neglecting the corners.
Drew, this is a very interesting project. I am unfamiliar with echo tech and your project is helping me to understand it better. It is interesting to see how big of a difference the circle and oval are. In your opinion of the study which is more effective and which is more desired?
ReplyDelete