Beck

An interesting, wonderful guy. Awesome performance.

The finished product

Building my monster

After settling on a new direction for form, I wanted to research the materials I could potentially use. A trip to Home Depot showed me that I could go in multiple directions.

I looked at several types of plywood/boards for the four structural sides. The inner curve needs to be a material that can be easily manipulated. I found some interesting materials that would be affordable and usable.

After speaking to Glenn about my findings, I quickly realized that this thing could easily become very contrived. There was a simplicity in the chip board model that would be lost if I started using completely differing materials. My next stop is to research large scale chipboard and see where I might get my hands on some.

Why not?

Making my own "man"

After modelling half of my new shape, I decided to cut out the shape of a man. If there is a person standing in front of this spot, there's no reason for there to be acoustic material. It also gives some lightness (literally and figuratively) to this shape.

Please Leave a Light on When You Go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyf1ad0zvvM

My favorite interpretation I've seen of the Beck Song Reader. Song by John Alexander. Video: "The Maker" by Zealous Creative."

Moving on... again

When talking to Professor Nowak, he asked an important question about my current design: "Is this a more a circle or a square?" My answer was that it's trying to be a circle, but it looks more like a square. After more discussion, I realized that if it's trying to be a circle, I should probably make it into a circle. He and I came up with a shape that would hopefully perform well, while being more structurally efficient (or structurally efficient at ALL, seeing as the other one probably would have collapsed on the first person that stepped inside). This design will also save on materials and be easier to put together (and take apart when it comes time to move it).

I will use 4x8 pieces of plywood for the four sides, held together with rods for support. I will drill additional holes into these four panels so air can pass through and this whole thing won't blow away. I will then use a thinner, cheaper material to line the inside.

I figured I should also shift my existing diagram into this shape to see if it will work the same way.

My next step is to create a diagram from a plan view, to see how sound will disperse horizontally. I also want to take a more creative look at this shape to see if I can add in some of the playfulness that is so apparent in Beck's Song Reader.

The Acoustic Hat

Professor Nowak sporting my design.