Parametric implementation of café acoustics

This paper investigates how acoustic principles can be implemented within the architectural early design phase. The project work presented tested one parametric tool, Pachyderm, in a proof of concept, design of a café. Acoustic measurements were undertaken in six cafes and 30 café patrons completed a qualitative survey. In all cases measured ambient levels within the cafes exceeded the 50dBA LAeq criterion level suggested in the AS/NZS 2107 (2000). IRIS plots for each space showed a preponderance of late energy reflections (above 50 ms in most cases, with returns above 100 ms). Survey results suggested that the patron's ability to communicate decreased linearly as the café volume increased. In contrast, the patron's enjoyment of the café increased to a maximum then decreased quadratically as the volume increased. These qualitative and quantitative results formed acoustic design criteria that were implement into the design through a combination of Grasshopper and Pachyderm software.