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courses

ARCH6941-1 / Fall 2023

Ethan Bourdeau

Architectural Acoustical Ecology

Canvas

Bulletin

Our individual and collective understandings of the sonic environment inform several ubiquitous elements of urban habitation, including but not limited to wayfinding, respite, communication, understanding, transit, and cohabitation with the animal kingdom.

For many living in city centers during and shortly after March 2020, an opportunity presented itself to hear our municipalities differently and begin what many would argue is a necessary dismantling of the human-made barriers, literal and figurative, imposed between our natural and built worlds. Increasing opportunities to listen are coinciding with larger themes of healthy indoor environmental quality as part of the design and renovation of buildings and communities, old and new.

By swapping the camera for a microphone, we will examine tried and true methods of acoustic ecology monitoring, develop an understanding of the fundamentals of acoustics, and study the materials used to control and influence our sonic landscapes. In doing so, we will hone a holistic, sensorial design tool kit which will help conceptualize and realize a listenable experience in urban centers.

In this course, we will introduce concepts of acoustic ecology and design with a focus on active listening before, during, and after built concepts are realized. We will examine the nuances between sound and noise, the history of urban planning and sonic gentrification, and what implications both have on human health, well-being, and comfort. Using sound as a catalyst, we will also examine and debate a supposed dichotomy between natural and anthropogenic worlds to build a foundation for sonic design as a proactive, rather than reactive, practice. Finally, we will explore the use of natural elements and intentional landscaping to command the propagation of acoustic energy to support inviting communal spaces and peaceful interiors.

Location & Time

115 AVERY

TH 9 AM - 11 AM

Session & Points

FULL SEMESTER

3 Points

Sequence

Building Science & Technology Elective

Call Number

10309

Programs

M.S. Real Estate Development

Master of Architecture

M.S. Advanced Architectural Design

New York / Paris

M.S. Urban Planning

M.S. Architecture and Urban Design

M.S. Computational Design Practices

M.S. Historic Preservation

Sonam Sherpa

Fall 2023 - Architectural Acoustical Ecology

Ethan Bourdeau

Other Semesters & Sections

Course	Semester	Title	Student Work	Instructor	Syllabus	Requirements & Sequence	Location & Time	Session & Points	Call No.
ARCH6941‑1	Fall 2025	Architectural Acoustical Ecology		Ethan Bourdeau		Building Science & Technology Elective	408 Avery TU 11 AM - 1 PM	Full Semester 3 Points	10705
A6941‑1	Fall 2024	Architectural Acoustical Ecology		Ethan Bourdeau		Building Science & Technology Elective	203 FAYERWEATHER TH 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	10590