The Search for Excellence in Auditorium Acoustics

Abstract

The scientific approach to room acoustics is now well over a hundred years old. Yet two concert halls from the nineteenth century (the Musikvereinssaal, Vienna of 1870 and the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam of 1888) are still viewed as among the best in the world, as is the first product of a scientific approach (Boston Symphony Hall, Massachusetts of 1900). Has a century of research and building new auditoria failed to make any progress? One is reminded of the situation with violins, modern violin makers fight to compete with the reputation of Stradivarius’ violins built 300 years ago. With auditorium acoustics, the search has been long, with bursts of activity at certain times often in response to new experimental techniques. Considerable progress has been made but the search is not over. This article hopes to elaborate on the challenges involved.