Serene Funzione Primaria: Purificatore di Rumore

Press Kit

Unique Properties

To support UN sustainable goals for health and cities, this project protects urbanites from severe noise. An acoustic noise purifier uses MIT's thin speaker technology to neutralize city sounds via a flexible, noise-canceling membrane. Integrated ambient lighting reduces eye strain, complementing this acoustic sanctuary. It transforms spaces into a personal silence retreat, a quiet, protected zone to rest and enjoy daily leisure free from stress.

Dimensions & Packaging

The device utilizes MIT’s ultra-thin flexible speaker technology. A piezoelectric thin film is sandwiched between acoustic fabrics made from recycled PET. Micro-microphones detect urban low-frequency noise, triggering the active film to emit anti-phase sound waves to neutralize it. This allows a complex active noise cancellation system to be manufactured as a lightweight, flexible, and sustainable home appliance.

Tags

active noise cancellation, acoustic appliance, noise purifier, urban wellness, paper-thin speaker, soundscape control, minimalist screen, silence retreat, health and well-being, sustainable interior

Production Technology

The device utilizes MIT’s ultra-thin flexible speaker technology. A piezoelectric thin film is sandwiched between premium acoustic fabrics from recycled PET. Micro-microphones detect urban low-frequency noise, triggering the active film to emit anti-phase sound waves to neutralize it. This allows a complex active noise cancellation system to be manufactured as a lightweight, flexible, and sustainable home appliance.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge involved translating MIT's lab-grade piezoelectric speaker technology into a consumer-ready home appliance. Integrating complex electronics into flexible recycled fabrics without compromising the 30dB active noise cancellation performance required precise engineering. Furthermore, shifting from traditional noise masking methods, such as white noise machines, to spatial noise purification required redefining how users approach acoustic privacy in dense urban spaces.

Research

The project applied research to mitigate urban noise linked to cardiovascular issues and hearing loss. The methodology included acoustic testing with sound meters and interviews with 20 apartment residents. Results indicated that traditional dividers are ineffective, and continuous white noise machines can exacerbate hearing strain. The key insight was applying MIT's thin speaker technology to a physical membrane, achieving a 30dB noise reduction. This approach impacts society by replacing auditory masking with active acoustic wellness in interior environments.

Inspiration

The inspiration stems from the limitation of traditional room dividers. While they provide visual privacy, they are ineffective against urban noise. The goal was to design an acoustic curtain. Inspired by how physical boundaries block wind, the project utilizes MIT's paper-thin speakers to materialize an invisible element, silence. It translates the intangible problem of acoustic stress into a tangible, elegant interior element, actively cultivating a boundary for personal wellness in dense, chaotic cities.

Project Duration

Developed over a 16-week research and prototyping period as a Master's thesis project. The process resulted in a physical prototype, which was officially exhibited at Milan Design Week in April 2023. This global showcase validated both its aesthetic design and technical feasibility to the public.

Operation Flow

A heavy marble base provides structural stability and features a toe-tap power indicator for intuitive, ergonomic activation. To eliminate bending, the top of the stand integrates dual sliders for noise cancellation intensity and ambient lighting, ideal for night reading or screen use. This thoughtful separation of controls—foot-tap for power, fingertip for precise environmental tuning—allows users to orchestrate a perfect audiovisual sanctuary effortlessly while standing.

Patents

This project is the original intellectual property of Kyudo Lee. All rights are reserved under international copyright law. The unique concept, technical integration, and industrial design are currently under review for potential patent protection.

Image Credits

All 3D renderings, product photography, and presentation media are produced by Kyudo Lee. Milan Design Week exhibition photography is credited to Kyudo Lee.