Acoustic Exploration
An exploration of sound, material and form. This project began with the creation of a musical instrument, who’s structure and design language was then translated into a music hall.
The Music Device
Peter Ballman
In Collaboration With
Elizabeth Reeves
Acoustic Exploration
Instrument + Theater
FA 2018
Cornell University
The Music Device
This instrument is a combination of mechanisms from three different string instruments: The violin, the harp and the piano. By studying each of these instruments I acquired a full understanding of string connections. The the relation of the shape of the sound box to the sound that is produced informed the body of this instrument while the mechanisms that are used amplify the sound in two different ways. The front strings are the lower strings and are connected like a violin, vibrating off the bridge. The middle strings are strung similar to a harp and vibrate off of the sound board. The hood of the instrument opens similar to that of a piano.
Spacial Concepts
The Music Hall
This music hall is derived from a series of studies that highlight the relation of form to acoustic conditions. The Plantahof Auditorium, The Wall House, and the Villa Savoye each inspired a different feature of this structure, creating a continuous flow through the program. This design utilizes the “L” shaped site and guides the guests towards each element of circulation. The facade imitates the parking garage across from it and allows for the irregular forms to branch off from it.The angled wall draws guests in from the sidewalk, and leads them underneath the cantilevered space towards the entrance. This then leads the guests into the main lobby and exhibition space where they are directed towards all other programmatic features. In this building the administrative and performer’s space is separated from the guests, as they are never cross paths until they are in the auditorium.
