Sound Space: Communicating Acoustics Through Interactive Visualization

We present Sound Space, an interactive and engaging environment in which to explore some of the more basic concepts and consequences of acoustic design. By presenting acoustic data visually rather than aurally, we give the user the opportunity to pause, rewind, and fast forward the sound propagation in the space. As an immersive three dimensional visualization, the designer can gain a better spatial understanding of the relationship between a room’s geometry and its acoustic performance. With a focus on both accuracy and design aesthetics, we present acoustic data through a compelling and fun experience in order to increase the user’s engagement and understanding of the data. The resulting visualization is immersive and dynamic, allowing a designer to interact with the space, make changes, and see the consequences in real time. This reduces barriers to acoustic considerations in early design phases, and can aid the sound design of space that would not traditionally have an acoustic focus, but which can still benefit significantly from improved acoustic considerations.