Acoustics of the Binyanei Ha'Oomah Jerusalem Congress Hall

Abstract

The 3200-seat Congress Hall in Jerusalem, Israel was completed in the spring of 1960 after a construction period of some 10 years. The original primary design goal was to provide a place for large assemblies the most important of which was the biennial meeting of the World Zionist Congress. During construction, the repeated use of the partially completed “unroofed” structure for out door concerts led to the reconsideration of the original design goals to give primary emphasis to music. The hall now has become the Jerusalem home of the Israeli Philharmonic while still serving its function for congresses and other uses. This paper traces the development of the acoustical design goals as well as discusses the important acoustical design features, the results of measurements made in the completed hall, and the reactions of musicians who have played in the hall.