Acoustic Canopy is a tensile structure designed to reduce the noise level in the studio space by absorbing the deafening sounds created by power tools.

High volume levels in the shop are dangerous. To solve this problem, this project reduces the possibility of getting hurt by reducing the level of distracting noise in the space. In the studio, people often use a wide range of machines such as power drills, the bandsaw, and the laser cutter. Combined, this equipment causes the communication in the lab to become more difficult and thus, lead to potential injury. Acoustic Canopy is designed to absorb sound and reduce the noise level, making it easier for people to communicate in the lab.

The initial designs differ significantly from the latest canopy designs. The first idea was to create a tensile structure that is placed on the ground, surrounding the machines that produce loud sounds. However, as prototyping for initial design began, there were concerns that placing a large tensile wall in the work area could cause another problem. Since there were many people moving around the lab, it was not very efficient to put a large object in the middle of the path. This issue led to another design which proposed placing the tensile structure above the workspace.

This new design covers up the entire ceiling in the room, therefore decreasing the overall noise level. However, there were few challenges while designing this structure. Firstly, it was difficult to get an accurate measurement of the ceiling trusses. This problem made creating the digital model more difficult than expected. Although the measurements is were one of the main challenges, the largest problem was testing different sound-absorbing fabrics. The first material testing didn’t go as planned since there were many factors that were not considered prior to the testing, including noise from the surrounding environment and the overall setup of the experiment. These issues led to inaccuracy in our data. Several days later, a new experiment was conducted in the controlled environment of a practice room, where there was almost no noise from the outside. The sound source that emitted a specific frequency was placed in a bucket, which would then be covered with different types of fabrics to test the difference in decibels. This new experiment revealed that the material most suitable for blocking sounds in the Acoustic Canopy is upholstery.

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.