Acoustic Canopy: A cloud-like wave structure designed and tested to provide comfortable noise levels in the machine shop. The canopy effectively uses wasted ceiling space while also minimizing the annoying and unsafe sound levels that result from the use of heavy machinery. 

Sound exists everywhere. It is constantly present in our world. On many occasions, its presence is quite unwelcome. Any studio that makes use of machines of some type will no doubt be familiar with the more annoying aspects of a constant sound. The steady drones and screeches of heavy machinery in use, coupled with flat walls and reflective ceilings, made the need for a sound dampening system all the more apparent. Specifically, the Engineering Studio suffers from a lack of sound deadening to counteract the noises produced by its machinery. The problem is only amplified by the presence of a ceiling largely un-shielded from any type of disturbance. 

The Acoustic Canopy aims to circumvent this issue. Inspired by the fluid, wave-like motions of the clouds above, the canopy was conceived to act as a shelter and as a barrier to the noises produced by the heavy machinery and to protect the ears of the rest of the studio. Currently, the design features a series of disconnected, two dimensional, three sides shapes that overlap and are placed randomly through the ceiling area. Breaking with tradition, the model has no set specifications. The intention was to provide a flexible model that could be altered to best suit the needs of the situation or the design of the building ceiling itself. With this, it is hoped that significant reduction of noise level intensities within the Engineering Studio can be measured and directly experienced.

Having gone through several variations, the design and purpose of the project have changed. The first, unnamed model of what would become the canopy consisted of a tensile screen that would wrap around sources of sound like a towel and provide sound protection. Coming to terms with the impracticalities of a moveable screen anchored on the ground, the attention of the projects shifted upwards and away from any potential ground hazards. Ever since, the focus has been not on dampening individual units but dampening the space as a whole. The design covers most of the ceiling area, the areas left uncovered only like so due to safety concerns. Plans are set to incorporate a system of falling screens to accompany the ceiling elements and to provide an additional layer of ground buffering. Currently, tests are being carried out to find the best material for use in the job. Should everything go to plan, the first iteration of the Acoustic Canopy should be up and functioning soon.