Selection and Evaluation of Isolating Structures and Room-Acoustics Treatment at The Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College

Abstract

The Hopkins Center comprises extensive facilities for the creative and performing arts. These facilities include a multiuse auditorium, an experimental and a proscenium theatre, and numerous practice-teaching and rehearsal rooms. Since these spaces will often be used simultaneously, sound-isolating structures were chosen to prevent interference between rooms. This paper discusses design considerations in the Center, with particular attention to the selection of sound-isolating structures, subsequent measurements in the Center, and acoustical evaluations of the project. Room acoustics design is also discussed, with special reference to the unusual multiuse auditorium. The Center's architects are Harrison and Abramovitz of New York.