Dr. Alaa Algargoosh

Biography

Dr. Alaa Algargoosh has a particular interest in architectural design's influence on sound. Her previous work includes patented sound diffusers inspired by the cymatics phenomenon, and her current work is focused on advancing technologies that allow for analyzing the impact of acoustic environments on human experience, emotions, and well-being.

Dr. Algargoosh received her Ph. D. in Architecture from the University of Michigan. She has also received many prestigious awards, including the Innovators Under 35 Award by MIT Technology Review, the Dow Sustainability Fellowship, Barbour Scholarship, ArtsEngine Grant, Humanities Institute Fellowship, the Mellon Foundation Grant, and the ARCC King Medal for Excellence in Architectural and Environmental Research. Her projects have been featured at International Innovation Exhibitions. A sustainable sound-absorbing biomaterial she developed was highlighted as one of the most promising inventions in the ArtScience workshop in Paris.

She is a founding member of the Architectural Acoustics Society in Saudi Arabia. Recently, Dr. Algargoosh was named an advisor on the WELL Sound Concept Advisory, working with experts and leaders worldwide to identify strategies to help shape the future of buildings that enhance health and well-being. Dr. Algargoosh is currently a research fellow at the MIT Media Lab, working with the Opera of the Future Research Group.

Research Abstract

The impact of music in enhancing well-being through stimulating positive affect has been widely studied, and researchers have established links between musical characteristics and affect. Acoustic environments can manipulate the characteristics of the original sound by working as sound filters. Thus, utilizing the way acoustic environments (real and virtual) modify the frequency domain of sounds can evoke positive affects to enhance well-being and thus create restorative acoustic environments. Hence, by creating multiple scenarios of acoustic environments, my proposed project aims to analyze how the acoustic environment can alter sound and create a restorative and stimulating environment that enhances positive emotions.

KACST