Design of a critical listening classroom and studio

Abstract

The Sound Recording Technology program at the University of Massachusetts—Lowell required design of a space that could serve three functions: a critical listening classroom for 30 students, a live room for the department’s premier 24 track recording studio, and a 5.1 surround sound mix room. Accomplishing all of the above required a re-evaluation of room shape and treatments and aggressive use of variable acoustics. In addition, all the usual culprits of HVAC noise and vibration, limited space, a constrained budget, and a difficult to renovate reinforced concrete building added to the challenge. This paper reviews the key design and renovation challenges associated with completing this room, opened for use by students and faculty in the Spring 2003 semester.