Bio-ID Students Win Two Green Product Awards for Urban Soundscape Project

Two second-year Bio-Integrated Design MArch students, Xinrui Cai and Sahda Salsabila, won the ‘Architecture’ and ‘Audience’ awards at the International Green Product Award 2024.

Presented by the Green Future Club since 2012, the Green Product Award recognises innovative products and services based on design, impact and sustainability.

The Urban Soundscape project comprises bio-façade panels and an urban amphitheatre. It is aimed at architects, city planners and sustainability enthusiasts looking to address noise pollution and create immersive acoustic experiences in urban areas. The project uses sustainable and innovative materiality and fabrication techniques, harnessing plant-based materials, repurposing waste such as paper, and using rice flour as a natural binder. The fabrication methods include 3D printing, CNC milling, extrusion and casting for versatile prototyping.

Commenting on the award, Xinrui and Sahda said:

“We are delighted to share this wonderful news with The Bartlett community. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement from The Bartlett, UCL, B-made and our Bio-ID team. We deeply appreciate their guidance and mentorship throughout this journey.

About Urban Soundscape – The Amphitheatre

Enhancing urban quality goes beyond aesthetics, involving intricate human perception, and including acoustics. This project integrates bio-façade panels to craft urban soundscapes, reducing noise while fostering immersive acoustic experiences in an urban amphitheatre. From London to Rome plant-based materials like cork, moss and repurposed resources like paper waste were explored for their sound absorption capabilities. Prototypes used varied techniques, from 3D printing to casting. Our mixed-methods approach combined digital workflows, acoustic simulations and lab testing. Material and geometry interplay was meticulously evaluated using computer software. Rigorous acoustic testing with impedance tube kits revealed the material and arrangement's profound impact on noise absorption. These insights informed the design of noise-absorbing urban elements, merging function and aesthetics, and enriching spaces with purposeful design. This research lays the foundation for innovative, sustainable solutions addressing urban challenges.

More information

• Bio-Integrated Design (Bio-ID) MArch/MSc
• Explore the Urban Soundscape project from The Bartlett B-Pro Show 2023
• Find out more about The Bartlett B-Pro Show
• Find out more about B-made workshops
• The Green Product Awards 2024

Images: Unveiling the Amphitheatre, Urban Soundscape, 2023. Work by Xinrui Cai and Sahda Salsabila.