Acoustics

This was a complete interior renovation of an intermediate school auditorium, originally built in 1970. The auditorium had been finished principally in glazed structural facing tile, resulting in a very high level of ambient noise reflection, decreasing the intelligibility of both spoken and musical performances. Acoustics were an important concern for the school, and a primary architectural goal was thus to significantly improve this aspect through the new design and the finishes employed throughout.

Perforated wood finished acoustical ceilings were designed to minimize sound reflection, and split into three curved sections to diffuse sound more evenly from the stage, avoiding acoustic hot-spots within the audience.

Fabric-wrapped acoustical panels were installed over the existing wall surfaces, to absorb excess reverberant sound. The walls were playfully curved to prevent the "flutter effect" created by parallel walls, also functioning to conceal the many existing protrusions which had made it difficult to visually unify the space. These curved acoustic panels were layered with wood grilles, providing both protection and a balance of reflective surfaces, preventing the space from becoming too flat acoustically.

Angled soffits, further defining the space volumetrically, serve to conceal ventilation ductwork, and were finished with a colorful mosaic of fabric-wrapped acoustical paneling.

The back wall of the stage was enclosed with acoustical perforated wood finished panels to provide the option for moderate sound reflection; for performances that require it, these panels may be covered with the new stage curtains which were also installed.

In a similar fashion the existing VCT flooring was replaced with rubberized flooring, which acts to reduce sound reflection.

In essence, our office approached this project as an opportunity to provide a high quality performance space, not only for the students of the school but also the surrounding community, which makes frequent use of the space.