2014 40 Under 40: Joshua Cushner, 36

Joshua Cushner, 36
Associate Principal, Arup, San Francisco
University of Cambridge, MS Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment; Bucknell University, BS and MS Mechanical Engineering

Joshua Cushner’s 14-year career in acoustic consulting has resulted in the completion of more than 250 projects on a national and global scale. As associate principal for Arup, Cushner leads the regional acoustics, audiovisual, and theater consulting practice on the West Coast. He specializes in all fields of acoustics in the built environment and also works as leader of multidisciplinary projects. Cushner is best known for providing his expertise and innovation for building acoustic design, venue design for the arts, occupational noise, sound art, multimedia technology, and design of immersive environments and spatial audio. While he originally studied thermo and fluid dynamics, Cushner moved his focus toward acoustics and vibration and intertwined that field with his other studies of existential philosophy and music. Cushner’s academic and current professional work has resulted in developing custom approaches to resolve complex situations. Most recently, Cushner developed a method that creates a new system to assess the risk of noise from exterior façade elements on high-rise buildings. The current construction of downtown San Francisco’s largest indoor media wall gave Cushner the opportunity to create a unique design that mixes daylighting, audiovisual, and art technology. In addition to his work with Arup, Cushner is involved in a number of outside projects that help fuel his creative spirit as well as his efforts for acoustic and architectural advocacy. Cushner has published a number of articles on acoustic design and has received more than a dozen awards for his work in the field. As an independent performing artist, he has played in ensembles all around New York City and is currently focusing his free time on songwriting and composition. Every so often, he enjoys the San Francisco Bay area by hiking its trails and walking the beaches with his family. 

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