Variable-volume/coupled-volume response at Sala Julio Prestes

Abstract

Sala Julio Prestes (opening in early 1999) is an adaptive conversion of a railway station in São Paulo, Brazil into a traditional ‘‘shoe-box’’ concert hall. A unique feature of this 1600-seat room is the ceiling, formed in 15 large, tightly spaced, coffered panels. The nine central panels can be raised or lowered independently, while the six edge panels move in symmetric pairs. When the ceiling pieces move together, the room volume can be incrementally adjusted, from a minimum of approximately 12<th>000 m3 to a maximum of about 28<th>000 m3. When the pieces are placed at different levels, various coupled-volume conditions between the lower audience chamber and the volume above the ceiling are also possible. The coupled response is further tunable by provision of absorptive banners which can be deployed in the space above the ceiling panels. Acoustic measurements and binaural recordings of orchestral excerpts in this room with an audience are planned for late 1998 and early 1999. This paper presents preliminary results of these efforts, including recorded musical examples played with various ceiling configurations.