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 design
• Explores the concepts of acoustics in terms of new and renovated spaces
• Defines the basic components of the building structure
• Examines floors, walls, ceilings, shells, and finishes and how they can be designed to achieve acoustic excellence
• Discusses how to use and tune adjustable acoustic systems in a multi-use hall in order to achieve acoustic excellence

Designed 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

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.