Design and implementation of an open-plan art gallery with heavily amplified audio/video works

Abstract

An exhibit consisting of short film and video works by internationally recognized artist and film director Steve McQueen was installed in a large open-plan gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago. Several of the works included a heavily amplified audio component with very high levels of low-frequency energy, such as machine noise and hip-hop music. The layout of the gallery dictated that these works be placed in close proximity to each other as well as to works requiring a very low noise floor, while maintaining an open-plan format within an existing gallery space. Temporary enclosures were designed and constructed to allow these works to be displayed concurrently without significant disturbance to each other. Providing favorable room acoustics for the heavily amplified program within each space was also of primary importance. Panel absorbers tuned to the modal characteristics of each space as well as the unique acoustic characteristics of each work were integrated into the construction along with diffusive and absorptive surfaces to provide a comfortable listening environment for listeners while maintaining a uniform appearance.