MArch by Conversion School of Architecture
Keiren Cheung
Keiren Cheung is a RIBA Part 2 architecture graduate with a Diploma in Architecture (DipArch) and a Bachelor of Architecture with Honours (BArch Hons) from the Mackintosh School of Architecture, The Glasgow School of Art. I have recently completed my Master of Architecture (by Conversion) at the Mackintosh School of Architecture.
I am passionate about developing unique spaces through sustainable architectural strategies. My background in music has greatly influenced my interest in environmental design, particularly in architectural acoustics research. I have explored how sound and noise interact with form and materiality to shape the spatial qualities of an environment. My academic studies have deepened my interest in environmental analysis and parametric modelling, utilising Ladybug and Honeybee plugins in Rhino Grasshopper. Notably, my postgraduate research focused on environmental acoustics, exploring ‘The Abstract Form of Architectural Acoustics’ and ‘Noise and Nuisance in the Bourdon Building’.
Noise and Nuisance: A Study of Acoustics in the Bourdon Building Studio
This thesis investigated the noise problem within the studio of the Bourdon Building, an issue highlighted by my personal experience and feedback from students and staff alike. The study assesses the current noise conditions in the studio, and it intends to develop and implement a comprehensive methodology for appraising noise levels and specifically in the open-plan studio environment. It employs quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine the extent of subjective and objective factors influencing noise perception. In addition, my aim is to evaluate existing literature reviews on the behaviour of sound and to understand the effects of noise on health, learning, and productivity.
Noise control is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the building appraisal due to its complex, subjective, and psychological nature. This complexity arises from various factors attributing to the differentiation of human noise perception and environmental landscape. Meanwhile, noise perception is inherently complex and is shaped by many scientific factors, such as loudness, ambiguity of sound direction, unfamiliarity of the sound. The psychological aspects regarding the non-auditory effects, include the individual behavioural responses and personal etiquette practices.
Project Links
The Abstract Forms of Architectural Acoustics
The research focused on identifying the optimal acoustic forms and examining the socio-cultural influences that have shaped the history and science of acoustics. The study explored historical precedents, including ancient open-air amphitheatres and enclosed acoustic environments. Additionally, it analysed the significant scientific advancements in acoustics during the 19th century, particularly the contributions of Wallace Clement Sabine. The dissertation employed parametric simulation to examine sound reflection, drawing on the principles of light geometry to determine the number of rays reflected off surfaces. This approach also enabled planar calculations, such as analysing the number of rays reaching the audience seating area. As a case study, the successes of the Berlin Philharmonic, designed by Hans Scharoun, were investigated to provide deeper insights and complement the research.
