Analysis and mitigation design of acoustics for performance hall at the Catholic University

Abstract

This presentation will discuss a student level assessment designed with the goal to analyze a Music Hall located on the campus of The Catholic University of America. Ward Recital Hall is 97,712 ft3, seating 108 and was built as a hall intended for liturgical musical performance, but since the early 1900’s the purpose of the room has changed, since then minor improvements have been implemented. We have found that the three significant problems within the room are the HVAC noise contamination, stage projection homogeneity, and sound transmission through barriers (doors and windows). We will present the findings on each of the problems above in how the stage projection is not currently homogeneous, the issue with exterior noise contamination, and how the HVAC can directly affect the listening of viewers. We also will present remedies for each issue as well as the associated cost for the remedies. We will have a list for these problems with several different solutions, with the intent of having a good, better, and best solution with costs with respect to predictions of performance.