Electronically variable room acoustics - motivations and challenges

Abstract

Electronically variable room acoustics, or 'active acoustics', has become an effective solution to a variety of room acoustics challenges. The motivations for considering such systems often go beyond acoustics. Energy conservation, financial considerations, historic preservation, and balancing the needs of a venue's constituencies all can play a role in the determination to employ active acoustics. This paper will discuss some practical examples, including planned renovations to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, home of the Academy Awards during the 1960s, a resident orchestra, legendary rock concerts, and a unique hydraulic floor to convert the Civic from a performance space to an exhibit space. The active acoustic system objectives, design strategies, and challenges will be discussed.