Concert Hall Acoustics

Survey of the Computational Technology

including Analysis of Several Halls

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We have conducted an initial study of the computational acoustics as applied to concert halls. We are interested in the capability and accuracy of the current state of the art codes. We are also interested in testing commercial software on several halls to see what can be learned about the acoustics of these halls and halls that share similar design characteristics.

We have procured a package called ODEON from the Department of Acoustical Technology, Technical University of Denmark. For more information about this package, see their website: http://www.dat.dtu.dk/~odeon/ .

This study has addressed several topics. These are presented in a series of web reports as noted below. Not all web pages have been completed (+ = completed, ü = draft; ¡ = not yet available). Check back for more up to date results if the topic of interest to you is not currently available.

ü Survey of the Technology: Definition of terms, Summary of results (25 pages).

ü Simple Hall with Different Material Properties: Impact of Absorption Coefficients as a function of Frequency (demonstrated with sound files)

o Simple Hall with & without a Proscenium: Acoustical Problems of a Proscenium

ü Sunset Center, Carmel California: Renovation scheduled for Yr2001-2002

o Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Univ of N. Iowa: New hall, Yr2000

ü Ted Mann Hall, University of Minnesota: Ten years old, fine acoustics

o Hemi-spherical/Hemi-Ellipsoidal Halls: Study of a hypothetical design

The vast majority of this work was conducted by Joles Arnold, a summer intern at SSESCO during the summer of Yr2000. Guidance has been provided by Claus Lynge of the Dept. of Acoustics, Technical University of Denmark, David Kahn of Acoustical Dynamics, and Clifford Arnold of SSESCO.

Date of last change: Nov. 21, 2000