Browsing by Subject "Acoustics"
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Item Restricted Architectural acoustics for educational spaces : analysis and improvement proposal of the acoustic performances of Berlin International University studio rooms(2019) Martín, Javier; Starck, Adrian von; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences"Our experience is completely influenced by the acoustics in a space. It is impacting on our behaviour, making us act accordingly to the situation. The impact of acoustics performance is especially relevant in educational spaces. "Clear examples of architectural spaces in which both aspects [final use and acoustics, ed.] should be taken into account are rooms dedicated to educational uses, such as classrooms, conference rooms, auditoriums, and so on". (Gómez Escobar and Barrigón Morillas 2015, 1) Therefore, exactly this will be the focus of this thesis: acoustics in educational spaces. [...] Three studios of Berlin International University will form the case study for this thesis. The acoustics of these three studios have been analysed. After realizing that the reverberation time was too long in all three studio rooms when measured by a basic method, the decision was made to measure the reverberation times more precisely and prove if and how it is possible to solve this problem. [...] Before diving into the practical research, secondary literature on the topic has been consulted. Of interest were especially articles about measuring the acoustical performance of multiple auditoria, as well as on the topic of optimizing the design of educational spaces design. (Gómez Escobar and Barrigón Morillas 2015, 1) After gathering this information, the main research of this thesis was conducted. This involved the measuring of the existing acoustics in each room, for instance the reverberation time, speech intelligibility and background-noise. [...] Thanks to the support of NTi company, tests have been conducted more precisely with a professional equipment in each studio, to find out that the overall acoustics situation was of a low level of performance and an improvement was needed for every room analysed. Those tests led to more precise and concrete results, helpful to understand the type and amount of acoustic material needed to solve the problems. From a wide range of absorbing materials, a tensile membrane has been chosen both for the high-level characteristics in terms of acoustic absorption and also for the flexibility of design. Using these tensile membranes, combined with aluminium structures, a design was made for every studio. The shape and position of the structures and tensile membranes, in each studio, is driven by the concept of the sound propagation. Finally, thanks to a software provided by the same company of the acoustic equipment, It has been possible to prove that the acoustic of the rooms, if complimented with the amount of absorbing materials decided, was good enough to satisfy the Standards ANSI S12.60-2008 and DIN 18041. These are the standards to be consulted when considering acoustics in educational spaces."Item Restricted Café History and the Requirements of a Coworking Space : a Concept of Merging Cafés and Coworking Spaces(2023) Sarah Alissa Gastañadui; Buß, Tina; Ebert, Carola; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The rise of remote work has intensified the need for suitable workspaces, especially for those who cannot afford or lack the dedicated space for a home office. This research aims to explore the emerging concept of coworking cafés as a feasible solution for remote workers seeking both affordability and a conducive work environment. Coworking cafés offer a blend of the relaxed atmosphere of a café and the functional necessities of an office, thereby catering to two distinct target groups with different needs. The study investigates the history of café houses and draws parallels to modern coworking cafés, exploring how they can meet the diverse needs of today's remote workers and café-goers. The goal is to identify the elements that contribute to a successful coworking café by balancing the requirements for privacy, acoustics, and social interaction for both target groups. Keywords: Remote Work, Coworking Cafés, Workspace, Affordability, Café Culture, Acoustics, Privacy, Social Interaction, History of Cafés, Target GroupsPublication Restricted Designing for Sound: The Interplay between Interior Geometry and Acoustic Ambience in Concert Halls(2025) Grozeva, Stella; Prof. von Starck, Adrian; Interior Architecture/Interior Design (BA); Berlin International University of Applied SciencesThis thesis aims to explore how interior designers can balance technical performance requirements with aesthetic considerations in concert hall design. It examines the relationship between geometry, materiality and architectural detailing across both historical and contemporary performance spaces through comparative case studies. The selected examples - Staatsoper Unter den Linden (1743), Gewandhaus (1781), Elbphilharmonie (2017), and Konzerthaus Dortmund (2002) - are analyzed using visual, spatial and comparative methods. By highlighting similarities and differences between past and present approaches, the research reveals how evolving acoustic strategies and design priorities continue to shape concert halls as cultural, architectural, and experiential spaces.Item Restricted Rethinking interior acoustic materials : the mycelium-based acoustic absorber : research into the opportunities of substrates(2020) Gloyer, Anna-Maria; Martín, Javier; Starck, Adrian von; bachelor thesis in Interior Design"Rethink interior acoustics addresses a field which is very much part of the time we live in. The 21st century has just started, and the drive for sustainability, the care for our environment is going strong. [...] It's a designer's duty nowadays to find solutions to recycle materials or which can be grown soil-independent, such as mycelium. [...] As studies show, noise has a huge impact on work efficiency, concentration, and health (BAUX 2020, p. 88). No matter the setting. If it's an office, a private property, or a production facility. Therefore, the topic embraces a new material called mycelium with noise reducing qualities solving toxic material problems. That is the key motivation of this thesis. To find proof that a truly sustainable material can solve acoustic issues. It is most likely to focus on acoustic absorbers since they enhance speech intelligibility and reduce noise. To reach this goal, the thesis will explore the absorbent qualities of mycelium-based acoustic absorbers which are only produced by one single company worldwide. The product is new to our time, but the mycelium is part of the first micro-organisms that were living on our planet; so, it is worth to have a closer look at this astonishing system of an ever growing material source. [...] The thesis is a research-based study. The research is structured in two categories, which will then conclude in an overall result. The hypothesis 'mycelium is ahead of common acoustic absorbers, regarding performance and sustainability' is proved by introducing acoustics with focus on absorption and analyse common interior acoustic products regarding sustainability. The main body consists of introducing mycelium and its substrates to come to a solid conclusion of the current state, opportunities, and limitations. The first part is the cornerstone for understanding the product. Acoustic absorption is framing the thesis from beginning to the end and opens the door for the mycelium-based acoustic absorber. The final part of the thesis will answer the hypothesis, of saying that the most efficient combination of substrate and mycelium will outperform common acoustical absorbers in performance and sustainability."Item Restricted The Importance of Inclusive Architecture for People With Special Needs(2022) Capucine Aurore Bernades; Brünjes, Katrin; Huneck, Karsten; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The concept of Special Needs encompasses the particular requirements of individuals with illnesses or conditions that make it challenging for them to perform activities like others. While society aims to support these individuals through additional services, the facilities they interact with, such as schools, hospitals, and urban environments, often fail to address their needs adequately. This lack of inclusivity leads to stigmatization, isolation, and worsened symptoms. Inclusive Architecture, derived from Inclusive Design, seeks to prevent the exclusion of any group by creating buildings that cater to the needs of the public. Inclusive Architecture goes beyond accommodating people with disabilities and encompasses factors like acoustics, aesthetics, biophilic design, security, and wayfinding. This thesis explores the challenges and implementation of inclusive architecture in interior architecture and design, focusing on its outcomes and benefits for individuals with special needs. The research objectives involve identifying the challenges faced by individuals with special needs in traditional interior design, understanding the challenges faced by architects and designers in providing suitable solutions, and analyzing existing facilities and designs to raise awareness and emphasize their utility and necessity. The methodology includes sourcing existing specialized products in interior design, assessing their quality and accessibility, and studying successful facilities that embody inclusive architecture. This research targets architects, interior architects, designers, and public authorities involved in the approval of public facility construction. The aim is to emphasize that inclusive architecture for individuals with special needs should be considered, if not mandated, in the requirements specification for any building project. Keywords: Special Needs, inclusive architecture, interior architecture, design, inclusivity, accessibility, acoustics, aesthetics, biophilic design, security, wayfinding, public facilities