Inspired by the fluidity and organic movement of inflatables, this project seeks to visualise sound. Exploring baromorph technology and soft robotics alongside a colleague, we layered different patterns of air channels both to visualise noise and as a way to absorb and scatter excess sound waves within a room.

Harnessing the insulative quality of inflatables, we have created wall panels for interiors like offices and event spaces which have a range of conflicting sonic requirements - quiet conference rooms versus bustling canteens. The wall panel adapts to its surroundings to offer a solution for clashing or disruptive noise, using both sight and sound to engage users in a subtle yet sensory experience.

Collaborating with an engineer, we coded sound sensors to trigger different inflation patterns. In quiet moments, the wall panel inflates in a breathing motion with a more subtle texture, but above a 60 decibel “disturbance” threshold it takes on a bold texture with much larger air pockets. This visualises loud moments and makes the wall panel much more effective at insulating the room.