Baltic-Nordic Acoustic Meeting (BNAM) 2024 is leading the way in acoustic innovation in the Nordic countries. This year, BNAM has been exploring new ways to distinguish itself among major acoustic conferences like Internoise and Forum Acusticum. One of the key strategies has been to offer not just ordinary presentations but also hands-on workshops with software developers and their teams.
The workshops provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with tools from established names such as Odeon and Rhino (along with its plug-ins Grasshopper and Pachyderm), as well as newer entrants like Treble. With 25-30 enthusiastic participants, these 2-3 hour sessions were an excellent way to stay updated on the latest developments and challenges in acoustic simulation.
Treble: A rising star in acoustic simulation
Treble’s core technology, which enables thorough simulation of low-frequency sound through wave solvers, seems to be hitting the mark. Its cloud-based solution and modern user interface are attracting users across all experience levels. Attendees particularly appreciated Treble’s project sharing features, auralisation tools, and overall ease of use.
Many users emphasized the importance of efficient workflow and data management in their daily operations, and Treble’s support for importing geometry in generic formats like IFC was seen as a significant advantage. One user noted that it’s not enough for software to excel in calculations and simulations; it must also excel in structuring, presenting, and sharing data.
The respect for Treble has noticeably increased since last year. This growing trust is likely due to Treble’s efforts in documenting and explaining how to maximize their platform’s potential through tutorials and case studies.
Treble and Odeon are partly competing for the same customers, leading to interesting discussions about the potential for importing and benchmarking work from Odeon for further processing in Treble.
Odeon: A rich but complex tool
The Odeon workshop was insightful and but it also revealed some complexities, particularly regarding its interface, which features a multitude of similar icons for accessing different functions.
Despite this, Odeon excels in maintaining its software’s operability within the modern context of BIM. However, there is a sense that technical legacy issues may limit the team’s ability to create smoother workflows.
Future Directions in Acoustic Simulation
An interesting point of discussion was the method of inputting relevant data into simulation software. Instead of relying on readily available data like absorption coefficients, there is a push towards inputting more relevant data such as impedance, which could significantly enhance the accuracy and utility of simulations.
All in all, BNAM 2024 showcased a range of innovative tools,helping a deeper understanding of current challenges and advancements in acoustic simulation. The conference highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and open discussions about software capabilities and workflows, paving the way for future developments in the field.
BNAM 2024 delivered when it comes to acoustic simulation and sharing knowledge among peers!
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