Theater Zuidplein

Theater Zuidplein

The interior of Theater Zuidplein represents a harmonious blend of advanced generative acoustic simulation and innovative robotic 2D-milling and folding techniques applied to sheet metal. The parametric design process begins by selecting a fixed unit governed by a specific set of rules. For this project, we developed a mesh of parametric triangles. Each triangle unit was informed and transformed through acoustic simulations to generate an optimal sound experience. These triangular units are not only structurally self-supporting but also engraved with detailed information to dictate their precise position, rotation, and folding angles.

 

 

Project name_       Theater Zuidplein acoustic interior 
Project by_         Studio RAP Rotterdam
Client_             Hart van Zuid
Partners_           Aldowa + Arup 
Scope_              Design + engineering + fabrication 
Parametric tools_   Grasshopper + Acoustic optimisation by Arup
Fabrication_        CNC milling/engraving + folding
Date_               February 2020
Location_           Zuidplein Rotterdam The Netherlands

The undulating forms vividly reveal the data that shaped them, highlighting zones of sound reflection and absorption within the theater's intricate interior topology. By fully integrating simulation data, this design creates an immersive acoustic environment that envelops the audience. The interior’s architecture tells a compelling story of sound, visually articulating a gradient of reflecting and absorbing waves across its surface. This seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality elevates the auditory experience, transforming the theater into a space that is both visually captivating and acoustically exceptional.