Acoustics of the Jesse H. Jones Performing Arts Hall, Houston Texas

Abstract

This multipurpose, multiform hall, opened in October 1966, accommodates the full range of musical and theatrical events. The ceiling of the hall consists of an array of hexagon-shaped damped steel panels that can be moved in groups to adjust the hall's seating capacity and its acoustical environment. The ceiling can be lowered to exclude the upper balcony, reducing the seating capacity from 3000 to 2400. Mesh curtains toward the rear mezzanine and orchestra level reduce the seating capacity to 1800. A stage enclosure of damped steel construction can be either 40 ft deep for full orchestra or 25 ft for smaller groups. The reverberation time of the hall at midfrequencies is 1.8 sec in the symphony and opera configurations (3000 seats) and 1.4 sec in the drama configuration (1800 or 2400 seats, all draperies exposed). This paper compares acoustical data obtained in a 110-scale model with measurements in the completed hall.