Computer modelling was used to design the angular wall surfaces of Rotterdam's newest theatre, to ensure a completely even distribution of sound.
Theater Zuidplein is a major new cultural venue for the Dutch city, housing two auditoriums, a restaurant and a library.
Studio RAP and Arup partnered to create the theatre's faceted surface
While the building was designed by architecture firm De Zwarte Hond, experimental office Studio RAP was tasked with shaping the interior of the main theatre.
Working with engineering firm Arup, Studio RAP's ambition was create a wall surface design that optimises the acoustics of the 600-seat auditorium.
The geometries are designed to optimise sound quality in every seat
Using digital technologies, they developed an extremely multi-faceted surface that is calculated to bounce sound evenly across different parts of the interior. "The project was designed using algorithms, which resulted in a rippling ocean of thousands of triangles," said Wessel van Beerendonk of Studio RAP.
The configuration was developed using parametric modelling software
The design process involved simulating a wide variety of different types of performance ? across theatre and music ? and measuring the effect of different curvatures on the reflection of the sound.
The wall surfaces were then "digitally kneaded" using parametric modelling software, to find the best all-round geometries.
There are 6,000 triangular panels in total, all made from alum...