Optimizing diffusive surface topology through a performance-based design approach

Different numerical techniques have been used in the last decades for the acoustic characterization and performance optimization of diffusive surfaces. However, these methods require advanced theoretical knowledge, very long calculation times and do not give an immediate feedback. Therefore, these methods result highly difficult to be applied by designers at an early stage of the design process, when successive design iterations are necessary from an aesthetic point of view. A suitable alternative could be the use of parametric modelling in combination with performance investigations during the design process. To this aim, this study presents a design process for diffusive surfaces optimization based on the combination of parametric models and geometrical acoustic simulations. It aims to provide architects and designers with rapid visual and acoustic feedback at a preliminary stage of their design. The process has been tested on different case studies, which have been modelled based on geometric guidelines for diffusive surface optimization. The sensitivity of the method showed that it could be a very useful tool for comparisons between design alternatives. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the integrated optimization in comparison with conventional optimizations are discussed.