Joe Kirma introduces himself and his educational background, leading to his thesis in architecture.

• Joe Kirma, after completing his business degree in 2008, lived in London for eight years working in a startup selling 3D printers and later at a larger corporation.
• While in London, he was intrigued by the soundscapes, which led him to pursue a master's in architecture focusing on resonating soundscapes using Hemholtz resonators.
• He discusses his work experience in London, including converting the Olympic Village media center into a co-working space.

Exploration of soundscapes in London and the impact of noise on health.

• Kirma explains how ironic it is that people seek nature in parks to escape urban noise, yet are bombarded with it.
• The research delved into the lack of solutions for exterior sound barriers and the effects of low-frequency noise from traffic.
• A World Health Organization study found that noise exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for exterior solutions.

Review of sound manipulation methods and the historical context of architectural acoustics.

• Kirma discusses the three types of sound manipulation: reflective, absorbed, and diffused.
• He provides a historical context for sound in architecture, citing Marcus Vitruvius and Leonardo Da Vinci's contributions.
• The concept of Hemholtz resonators is introduced, and their application in modern architecture and public transportation is highlighted.

The process of designing and testing Hemholtz resonator bricks for sound absorption.

• Kirma explores different fabrication techniques for creating Hemholtz resonator bricks, including 3D printing and slip casting.
• Initial prototypes faced issues such as warping and uneven drying, leading to design revisions.
• Kirma's breakthrough came with a brick that incorporated multiple Hemholtz resonators, which successfully absorbed sound frequencies.

The final design of the bricks is tested for sound absorption and real-world application potential.

• The final brick design proved successful in tests, absorbing sound frequencies as effectively as traditional materials like wood and foam.
• Kirma manufactured a series of these bricks, which demonstrated that ceramics could be effective in sound absorption.
• The bricks' glazing process not only added to their aesthetic appeal but also provided weatherproofing for exterior use.

Kirma concludes the presentation with potential implications for urban planning and architecture.

• The successful creation of the bricks serves as a proof of concept for the integration of acoustic considerations into architecture from the outset.
• Kirma suggests that such innovations could influence city planning and the design of future buildings.
• The potential for these resonating bricks to serve multiple purposes, including environmental integration and health improvement, is highlighted.