Sound Materials – A Compendium of Sound Absorbing Materials for Architecture and Design

Sound Materials is a definitive resource for architects, designers, acousticians, engineers, students and creative professionals – the first publication of its kind to catalogue over 100 sound absorbing materials, detailing inspiring real-world applications. Project profiles include work from leading architects and designers such as OMA, Gehry Partners, Foster + Partners, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and Barber & Osgerby.  These projects showcase sound absorbing materials in a variety of interior design and architectural contexts and underscore some of the common acoustical and material challenges presented by specific applications, such as healthcare, education, performing arts, office, retail and industrial environments.

Fundamental technical concepts are clearly presented to offer readers with an understanding of how materials absorb sound and how these materials are commonly used to reduce noise and reverberation, inform our sense of space, and improve communication in everyday environments. This book not only surveys an extensive range of materials past, present and emerging, but also highlights many exciting opportunities for future innovation and collaboration at the intersections of acoustical engineering, materials science, design and architecture.

A special chapter is devoted to interviews with designers and engineers who work with sound absorbing materials in novel and innovative ways, covering topics such as historic preservation, wayfinding for the blind, digital modelling and fabrication, interior design, and emerging high-tech materials.

About the Author

Tyler Adams is an acoustical engineer based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a Master of Science in Architectural Acoustics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a member of the Acoustical Society of America and the Institute of Noise Control Engineers. As an acoustician, he has consulted on a variety of projects, including schools, hospitals, offices, high-rise buildings, research laboratories, performance spaces and environmental noise.

Features

• This title is a new addition to Frame’s portfolio of books covering innovative materials for architecture and design applications.
• A reference book intended to be a resource and archive that readers will want to regularly access and refer to throughout their careers.
• Detailed descriptions of over 100 fascinating sound-absorbing materials – past, present and emerging – and their applications in interior design, product design and architecture.
• The materials and their inspiring real-world applications are investigated, showcased through reference projects by leading architects and designers, including Barber & Osgerby, Foster + Partners, Gehry Partners, OMA, and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. 
• The material descriptions strike a balance so as to speak to as broad of an audience as possible yet still appeal to a seasoned professional, such as an acoustical engineer, or serve as an educational resource for a college course.
• Numerous interviews are included with designers, material scientists and engineers, exploring how materials are created and utilised to solve design problems.
• An extensive index at the back of the book with an alphabetic listing of materials.
• Vital reading for architects, designers, acousticians, engineers, students and creative professionals.
• Outstanding graphic design and full-colour photography.

Publication Details

• Release: 15 November 2016
• Frame Publishers
• English
• Written by Tyler Adams
• Graphic design by Abraham Rivera
• 190 x 250 mm
• 288 pages / full colour / soft cover
• ISBN 978-94-92311-01-6

Related Articles

• Interview with Sound Materials author: emphasising the importance of acoustics in spatial contexts
• Erwan Bouroullec discusses the importance of acoustic intimacy
• Form Us With Love has a vibrant vision to improve acoustic aesthetics

Reviews

• 'Offering an excellent primer into understanding of acoustic principles. The often under-considered (by acousticians) aesthetic considerations are dealt with really well, through some interesting plates highlighting some fascinating spaces' (course leader at Leeds Beckett University, UK)
• 'This comprehensive book has been needed for far too long now. Every designer should have a copy. It's a beautiful overview of all things acoustic and just how beautiful the options truly are now.' (founder of Architectural Acoustics, US)

Online

• Book website: frame.shop/sound-materials
• Social media hashtag: #soundmaterials

Events

• The author Tyler Adams is available for lectures/interviews/talks in the US; recent speaking engagement was at the American Institute of Architects (2 Feb 2017) | details here
• Promotion of the title continuing across the globe in 2017!

For more details, contact: [email protected]