One of the most interesting challenges was the architectural acoustic design of the semi-domed performance space, intended as a versatile venue with a high degree of ‘acoustic flexibility’, accommodating anything from solo piano recitals, opera, contemporary dance and chamber music to edgy performance art.
Artists can perform from a variety of positions to audience members who may also be distributed across the floor or ramps forming terraces around the perimeter of the space. The acoustic design challenge was to integrate the acoustic response of the space to complement and enhance the experience of the audience.
Ultimately, for a project such as this, it would not be possible to reduce the design goals to a simple set of numbers; the acoustics need to emerge holistically with the architectural, aesthetic and lighting concepts within the space.
The spaces were designed to be primarily diffusive with some reverberation control, with great success. Marshall Day worked with the architectural team to ensure a unique space acoustically fit for purpose was achieved.