OAKLAND PUBLIC CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 

UNDER-CONSTRUCTION

ACOUSTICAL DESIGN & FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY


The Acoustical Wall Panel System is composed of Maple-finished Plywood cut and scored by a CNC Router to create panels of varying visual transparency. Six panels, four feet by eight feet each, are placed on hinges and casters to facilitate movement.

The use of parametric design tools, and rigorous full-scale prototypes is part of the studio’s process.   These design and fabrication explorations into craft builds confidence - knowing the complexity, material constraints and areas of flexibility and schedule.  Digital Design and Craft open a new avenue for bespoke solutions at attractive prices. 


What interests is not merely to create form, but the discovery of the effect of form.













KEY: Computational Design, Material Performance, Craft, CNC Fabrication, Parametric​​


THINNESS AND PRACTICALITY


The OPCM is one of several institutions dedicated to the revitalization and return of the San Pablo Corridor's music heritage. Located in the historic California Hotel, sound transfer between adjacent tenants is a paramount design consideration.  The solution had to meet


  • minimal thickness
  • absorb sound
  • non-permanent
  • inexpensive
  • reflect the quality of scholarship 


blink!LAB is a design and fabrication research studio, so naturally the solution involved both. The goal was to articulate a unique solution given the particularities of the school's context.  

DESIGN LEGIBILITY


The design starts by creating a 4" deep cavity closest to the source of sound. Perforations in the panel, permit sound to be directed into the cavity and absorbed by a wool backing.


By day, panels fold out to become room dividers. The result is adaptable solution a space which is changes character regularly.


Design, Fabrication, Installation
Project Size: 2500SF 
Budget: $31,000 


Digital Craft
Fabrication
Culture
​!Design