Acoustical design of Harmony Hall Fukui

Abstract

Construction of Harmony Hall Fukui, which was sponsored by the Fukui prefecture government, was completed on September 3, 1997. The facility contained a large hall, a small hall, and administrative offices. In the central area of the facility is an administrative room, rehearsal rooms, and machinery space. The two halls are situated at the east and west ends of the facility. This architectural zoning brings advantages and savings for effective sound insulation and noise control of the ventilation system. The large hall seats 1456 people and is a concert hall in the shoebox style. The room shape was studied by computer simulation techniques during the design stage, and the details of the wall and ceiling were studied by use of 1/10th scale model experiments before the construction work started. The small hall seats 610 people in an extremely intimate setting. The seating surrounds the stage, and even the height of the balcony seating is staggered to create what may be termed a ‘‘mini-arena’’ style. The unique layout heightens the audience’s feeling of proximity to the stage. Acoustical design and acoustical characteristics will be presented at the meeting.