The interactive multipurpose performing arts hall

Abstract

Each multipurpose performing arts hall has a unique acoustic signature. The success of a modern multipurpose hall relies on how the disciplines of architecture, interior design, stage lighting and rigging systems, and acoustical design are coordinated to very small tolerances. The shaping and finish materials are integrated both visually and with precision to create the sound field of the room to accommodate a variety of venues. Two case studies are presented. The first is a 1000 seat multipurpose performance hall in central Florida which accommodates the use of variable acoustics, a specially designed orchestral shell, stage lift, and all visible interior spaces sculpted to provide richness of both amplified and natural acoustics. The second is a performance hall for a magnet high school for the performing arts in western Georgia that has undulating waves of aesthetically integrated panels on the walls that provides a stunning multipurpose space even with economic constraints. The case studies present different approaches to acoustical design of multipurpose theaters. The first multipurpose theater accommodates the needs of varying visiting performers while the second case study focuses on the presentation of students of performing arts that needed an economical but aesthetic center piece of a magnet school. This interactive process between the design team ultimately results in the beauty of the interactive participation of the audience and the performers also.