Acoustics of Multi-Use Performing Arts Centers

Explores the Science and Practice Of Acoustics for Arts Centers Employing the experiences of a world-renowned acoustician celebrated for the successful design of multi-use performing arts centers, Acoustics of Multi-Use Performing Arts Centers examines the complexities of this venue and discusses the challenges and solutions that arise in the concept, design, construction and commissioning phases. This book addresses the various programming needs of a multi-use performing arts center (needs that can range from symphony, opera and ballet to highly-amplified concerts and Broadway productions) and provides instruction from the planning of the initial concept to the final tuning stages. While assuming a basic understanding of the principals of sound, construction and performance, the author includes architectural drawings drawn to scale and presents case studies with in-depth discussion of undocumented halls. He also provides a full chapter on tuning multi-use halls and offers an inside look at design options for adjustable acoustics that include stage, pit and hall design.In addition, the book: Covers the fundamentals of acoustics as it relates to initial stages of multi-use hall designExplores the concepts of acoustics in terms of new and renovated spacesDefines the basic components of the building structureExamines floors, walls, ceilings, shells, and finishes and how they can be designed to achieve acoustic excellenceDiscusses how to use and tune adjustable acoustic systems in a multi-use hall in order to achieve acoustic excellenceDesigned as a step-by-step guide to achieving outstanding acoustics in multi-use performance spaces, Acoustics of Multi-Use Performing Arts Centers serves students, architects, engineers, desig

BUILDING BLOCKS. Making the Case for a Multi-Use Hall. The Building Block of Reverberation. Requirements for Excellent Acoustics. Creating the Acoustic Program. CREATING THE BUILDING. Translating Program into Bricks and Mortar. Myths and New Halls: Schematic Design through Construction Documents. Myths and Renovations: Transforming Existing Buildings into Multi-Use Halls. Running the Acoustic Model. ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS. Orchestra Pit. Acoustic Design of the Stage. Orchestra Seating, Balconies, Boxes, and Parterres. Wall Shaping. Ceiling Designs. Seats and Finishes. MEASURING RESULTS. Making It Multi-Use. Electronic Architecture Systems. Tuning the Hall. CASE STUDIES. Glossary. Appendices.

Mark Holden earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering at Duke University in 1978. During his time there, he participated in an acoustic study of Duke’s student union as part of a physics course. This experience came full circle when he worked on the renovation of Duke’s Baldwin Hall (explored as a case study within this text). He has lectured at Harvard’s School of Design, Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, is a member of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants, the United States Institute of Theater Technology (USITT), and an elected fellow of the Acoustical Society of America.