PROGRAM
The acoustics of architecture is a direct representation of the exchange between humans and their immediate surrounding. Any space has its own characteristic “sound” which affects and influences our behaviour on a physical and psychological level.

This workshop explores innovative techniques for architectural acoustics, with the purpose of creating new interfaces, where shapes are adaptively defined at different scales to control reverberation, provide custom sound distribution and ensure noise reduction.

Spatial analysis and human activity are main drivers in defining a new concept of adaptive acoustics. Real-time information will be gained with the use of sensors and cameras for the monitoring and tracking of people motion and noise patterns. This live data will be interpreted through various digital design tools (Processing, Grasshopper - Pachyderm and ray-tracing algorithms, Comsol) to explore geometrical and material patterns which modulate the sound of a space and improve human comfort.

Participants will be involved in exploring advanced analysis, design and construction of novel acoustic interfaces. Results of the workshop will involve the production of prototypes through CNC machining procedures to exploit the potential of innovative materials and architectural strategies for adaptive acoustic spaces.

COMPETENCES

• Understanding how to acquire real-time data from human motion tracking and behavioral analysis through sound detection
• Interpreting behavioural information and perform early-stage acoustic simulations
• Create performative acoustic surfaces through parametric design strategies
• Developing assembly logics and understanding fabrication constraints within the design process
• Managing the fabrication process of complex surfaces through three-dimensional CNC milling​

SOFTWARE & TOOLS
During the workshop, students will be guided in the use of the following software:

• Grasshopper for Rhinoceros and plugins
• Processing
• Comsol Multiphysics
• Autodesk ArtCAM/Rhinocam

Previous knowledge of Rhino/Grasshopper is welcome, but not mandatory for attending the workshop.

WHERE
ACTLAB - ABC Department, Edificio 12 - Sottomarino
Campus Leonardo, Politecnico di Milano

TARGET
Subscriptions are open to Bachelor and Master students. Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance. This can be used to obtain 4 CFU at the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering

APPLICATION
Apply by 31 August via e-mail with an attached CV to:
actlab.polimi@gmail.com

A limited amount of seats is available. Early applications will be prioritized.

FEE
€200

TEACHING TEAM
Workshop Coordination: Maia Zheliazkova, Roberto Naboni
​Tutors: Maia Zheliazkova, Roberto Naboni, Bhargava Ram, Luca Breseghello
Scientific Responsible: Ingrid Paoletti

PARTNERS
Wood-Skin, Tecnosugheri

For additional information write to us at ​actlab.polimi@gmail.com

ACTLAB takes part in XI International Symposium of Architecture 2016 - The Digital Reveal. Architecture in the Post-Digital Age. On Thursday, 1st September, Ingrid Paoletti will hold a lecture, titled "Advanced customization for the architectural design and construction: overview and case studies". 

The symposium, held by Universidad Piloto de Colombia, aims to be an important instrument for the appropriation and critical maturation of digital thinking in the local design context. Through the event, The Digital Reveal, students, professors and practitioners will be exposed to selected pioneering work being realized around the world with the hope to inspire a critical dialogue to advance both education and practice in Latin America.

For more information: www.unipiloto.edu.co/thedigitalreveal/

Computational tools have radically reformed the approach to design at the different scale of a project, from object design, to architecture, to large scale masterplans. The workshop introduces the fundamentals of Python programming for architecture and engineering purposes. Through this easy but powerful tool, designers can develop their own algorithms to manage complex geometries and data, perform analysis and govern digital fabrication procedures. Participants will be guided to learn the basics of coding through a combination of applied lectures and individual design exercises, developed within Python for Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.

PROMOTED BY ACTLAB - POLITECNICO DI MILANO

Ehsan Baharlou (ICD Stuttgart) - Main Lecturer
Ingrid Paoletti - Scientific Responsible
Roberto Naboni - Workshop Coordinator

WHERE:
ACTLAB - ABC Department
Edificio 12 - Sottomarino
Politecnico di Milano

Image: Courtesy of ICD

​MORE INFORMATION:
www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de

ACTLAB Founder, Roberto Naboni, will present today a paper developed together with Mariela Tsopanova titled "Performance-based architecture. Learning from Nature's anticipatory models" as part of the Future in Design and Architecture Praxis Panel on the First International Conference on Anticipation, Trento, Italy.

For more information: http://www.projectanticipation.org/

As a part of the MI-ARCH Program, Ingrid Paoletti will present the work of ACTLAB within the exhibition “Digital Takes Command. Laboratorio Integrato di prototipazione e produzione digitale curated by Giulio Barazzetta”. The event will take place on 7th October from 19.00h in Aula Rogers in Politecnico di Milano. The third edition of the Festival collects the brightest “Sparks” on the Italian and International architectural scene and on this Wednesday evening will shift its focus to demonstrate the innovative approaches in design and fabrication.

ACTLAB invites you to the inauguration of the exhibition "Digital Takes Command. Orizzonti di progettazione e produzione digitale" organized by Triennale di Milano today 30/07/2015 from 18:30h. The exhibition takes place in Lecco, Area Ex-Faini in Via San Nicolò 9, from 30 July to 31 October 2015 from Tuesday to Sunday, 11.00h - 19.00h. Within the exhibition, ACTLAB curated the section "Computazione e materializzazione in architettura" where experimental research on computational design and digital manufacturing is presented, as well as works developed by PERMASTEELISA.

Digital Takes Command è un’iniziativa che illustra gli orizzonti della progettazione e produzione digitale avanzata di processi e sistemi di fabbricazione, materiali e componenti di manifattura e costruzione, composta da: una mostra su progetto e produzione digitale di testo e immagini, disegni, fotografie, modelli, audiovisivi, dal titolo: Digitalizzare il reale dal mondo industriale all'industria globale, che propone una riflessione aperta su presupposti e strumenti dell'iniziativa, a cura di Giulio Barazzetta, Enrico Morteo, Alberto Saibene; un Laboratorio Integrato di prototipazione e produzione digitale, che pratica esperienze di: progettazione computazionale e produzione robotica, componenti e sistemi, a cura di Pierpaolo Ruttico - Indexlab e di produzione personalizzata e computazione materica, a cura di Ingrid Paoletti e Roberto Naboni - Actlab; una mostra fotografica sui luoghi e sugli spazi industriali a Lecco dal titolo: Lecco luogo della produzione, il contesto del mondo industriale, a cura di Marco Introini.

ACTLAB invites you to a lecture with Q&A titled "Shaping the Dragon" where Ginevra Macchi from J&A Consultants Srl will disclose the process of design and construction of Vanke Pavilion for EXPO 2015 Milan.

The lecture will be held in Politecnico di Milano, Faculty of Architecture and Society, Building 11, Room O2.1 on 21st May at 10:30h.