•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Noise pollution is increasingly recognized as a critical environmental challenge with direct implications on public health and well-being. In Egypt, data from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA, 2019) identify noise as the second most reported environmental concern, affecting both indoor and outdoor spaces. At the same time, the growing volume of waste generated on university campuses represents an underexploited resource for sustainable design. This study addresses these challenges by investigating how generative AI can serve as a design collaborator in suggesting high-performance acoustic tiles from recycled campus waste. Two AI-driven prototypes were developed through prompts emphasizing acoustic absorption, aesthetic versatility, environmental impact, and ease of installation. Each design was standardized in thickness and fabricated using discarded materials such as foam, egg cartons, cardboard, and cotton. The prototypes were then physically tested within a controlled micro-environment to evaluate their acoustic performance. Results show that both designs significantly reduced sound reverberation, with Prototype B achieving better performance—cutting reverberation time by 57.7%. Beyond performance, both prototypes demonstrated low embodied energy and high adaptability, though material sourcing posed practical challenges. By combining generative AI with recycled resources, this research presents a scalable approach to tackling noise pollution while advancing circular economy practices. This approach underscores the role of AI as a conceptual co-design partner in sustainable material exploration, while simultaneously serving as a catalyst for eco-driven innovation within educational settings. The findings support the integration of AI-assisted co-design into building material research, offering new pathways for sustainability in architectural interiors.

Keywords

Acoustic absorption, Reverberation time, SPL reduction, Interior acoustics, Material testing, Generative AI and sustainable design, Acoustic performance, Circular economy

Download

Share

COinS