Contemporary multi-use concert hall design: Experience and analysis

The acoustic design practice at Arup in New York has designed multiple performing arts spaces with a wide range of acoustic characteristics and functions, several of which have opened within the past few years. Many of these spaces make use of adjustable acoustics to accommodate a wide range of program within a single space, including acoustics control chambers, adjustable-height canopies, adjustable sound absorbing curtains and banners, and flexible configurations of various stage elements. Traditional objective parameters have been examined for both audience and stage acoustics, and additional spatial analysis is explored through visualization of 3D impulse responses. The relationships between these parameters and each venue’s program goals will be addressed. Our experiences and findings obtained through the process of design, construction, and post-opening will be shared.