Sound absorbing glass: transparent solution for poor acoustics of monumental spaces

Abstract

Monumental buildings are demolished when they lose their traditional function. These historical monuments can be maintained by repurposing them for modern use, like lectures and musical events. This results in a demand for different acoustic conditions. However, monuments are subject to strict building intervention regulations; any intervention concerning changes to the original elements are often prohibited. This creates a demand for demountable and adaptable product design, repurposing monumental buildings by alleviating acoustical problems without distorting the view towards the monumental elements.

This research focused on developing sound absorption panels based on the micro-perforation principle: manufacturing these in thin glass panels, evaluating their influence on strength and transparency, optimizing sound absorption (perforation diameter and ratio) using a tailor-made computational model, and creating a pattern of perforations that optimizes strength.