Deaf-Centered Architectural Acoustic Design: Exploring New Possibilities in Acoustics through Robotic Fabrication and Material Innovation

Po-Chun Chou, Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning

Collaborators: Robert Adams, Associate Professor, Taubman; Wesley McGee, Associate Professor, Taubman; John Granzow, Associate Professor, SMTD; David Greenspan, Managing Producer, Audio Studios, Duderstadt Center

Deaf individuals often face significant challenges in architectural environments, where acoustic elements are designed primarily with hearing users in mind. While much of the barrier-free design discourse focuses on mobility or visual impairments, the unique auditory and spatial needs of Deaf users remain underexplored.

My prior work at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) — developing a C-based A* algorithm to optimize campus routes for Deaf, blind, and mobility-impaired users — revealed the need for more holistic, user-centered solutions that also address acoustic environments.

Inspired by the Echo Wall at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, this project proposes an indoor acoustic installation to enhance Deaf individuals’ sound perception. Integrating digital fabrication, materials science, and simulations, it offers a new paradigm for Deaf-centered architecture.

Research Goals & Objectives

Design and Fabricate an Acoustic Prototype: Create a 3D-printed wall (via KUKA robotic arm) to enhance or direct sound waves for Deaf users.
Create Simulation-Driven Guidelines

Validate materials, geometry, and sound propagation via Python-based acoustics simulations.
Produce preliminary guidelines for integrating Deaf-centered acoustic elements.

Contribute to Broader Knowledge & Advocacy

Present findings at the 2025 ACADIA conference to shape inclusive design discourse.

Interdisciplinary & Artistic/Design Core

Art/Design as the Driving Force: This research is fundamentally design-led: aesthetic principles, user experience, and the overall conceptual framework are driven by an architectural design approach that prioritizes Deaf perspectives.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Architecture & Design: Addresses spatial form-finding, user-centric planning, and aesthetic considerations.
Materials Science: Develops or tests 3D-printable materials with specialized acoustic properties, enabling more nuanced control of sound reflection or diffusion.
Robotic Engineering / Digital Fabrication: Utilizes a KUKA robotic arm and Python-based algorithms to create highly customized geometries for advanced barrier-free design.
Disability Studies: Ensures design decisions are grounded in Deaf culture and theory, guided by community feedback to establish meaningful acoustic standards.

Innovative Value: By merging design, technology, and user research in a single process, this project not only benefits Deaf communities but also establishes a new model for cross-disciplinary collaboration. It demonstrates how integrating multiple fields can yield more inclusive and context-sensitive solutions.

Timeline

February: Finalize materials/processes; calibrate robotic arm.
March: Print small prototypes; conduct initial tests.
April: Fabricate full-scale elements; measure performance; refine.
May & June: Finalize prototype; compile results; prepare conference submission.
July & August: Collaborate with Deaf schools/organizations for testing; collect user feedback.

Taubman College Exhibition & Community Collaboration

Planned Exhibition: Host a public display and testing session at Taubman College, inviting both university members and Deaf community participants. Document feedback via video, text, and typed communication.
Partnerships with Deaf Schools/Organizations
Collaborate with groups like Michigan School for the Deaf and Michigan Coalition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Team & Collaborations

Deaf Perspective (Applicant): As a Deaf researcher, I provide firsthand insight into Deaf users’ challenges, ensuring empathetic, user-centric design.
Robert Adams (Disability Studies): Provides expertise in architectural strategies, design theory, and disability studies, advising on materials and methods for inclusive built environments—particularly during the early design phase.
Wesley McGee (Robotic Fabrication & Materials Innovation): Specializes in materials development and robotic 3D printing, focusing on KUKA calibration and large-scale production.
John Granzow (Manufacturing & Acoustic Systems Design): Optimizes material acoustics and precision manufacturing, leveraging experience in scientific and musical instrument design to refine prototype performance.
David Greenspan (Audio Engineering & Testing Support): Oversees Audio Studios at the Duderstadt Center, providing critical expertise in sound recording, testing, and spatial acoustics for prototype validation.
Departmental Resources: Provides essential software (Rhino, Grasshopper, Python), hardware (3D printers, acoustic testing equipment), and lab facilities for iterative prototyping and data collection.

Future Directions

Cross-Campus & Public Collaboration: Collaborations with Urban Planning, Education, or Industrial Design can extend Deaf-centered design to larger public projects. Partnerships with disability agencies may inform demonstration programs.

Continued Research & Applications: Future work could include advanced materials (e.g., biomimetic composites) and sensor technologies to integrate haptic feedback or adaptive forms.

By integrating fabrication methods, material science, and Deaf-centered insights, this research rethinks architectural sound perception. It goes beyond a single prototype, laying groundwork for new standards that embrace Deaf experiences in barrier-free design.