From felt to fungus: New materials and applications—Focus on innovation and exploration

A two-part presentation of new materials for use in architectural acoustics. This presentation emphasizes new materials, both commercially available and those pressed into use for acoustic benefit. The companion session is presented in “Cultivating the Sustainable in Architectural Acoustics.” Contemporary architectural design often seeks to push the standard of construction, resulting in the need to explore new acoustic solutions to new architectural challenges. Innovative use of commercially available materials or exploration into the development of new materials or modifications of known materials is required to find the best solutions both acoustically and architecturally. Use of acoustical products and non-acoustical products for acoustical benefit are reviewed through case studies.