Measuring The Reverberation Time of The Greatest Concert Halls

Measuring The Reverberation Time of The Greatest Concert Halls

PHILHARMONIE DE PARIS

Paris, France

I visited some of the best-sounding concert halls and learned about the science behind their architectural acoustics. I wanted to study and analyze how three different shaped concert halls have been successful in creating some of the world’s best acoustic spaces. Philharmonie De Paris in France was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and the Marshall Day Acoustics team and with their collaboration, they were able to ensure that the surface of the building perfectly reflects the acoustics of the performances.

BROWN SHADES OF ACOUSTICAL WOOD BLOCKS

BLACK SHADES OF ACOUSTICAL WOOD BLOCKS

WHITE SHADES OF ACOUSTICAL WOOD BLOCKS

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Architect Jean Nouve

Shape Vinyard

Opening Year 1963

Capacity 2,440 seats

Room Volume 21,000 m3

UNOCCUPIED

OCCUPIED

MEASURING THE REVERBERATION TIME TESTING

2.2 seconds (Researched)

1.9 seconds (Tested)

THE CONCERTGEBOUW

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Concertgebouw is known for its side walls that allow sound to bounce off them immediately allowing the listener to receive the sound of the orchestral from three different sides. One sound that comes right at the listener and the other two from the side, this reflection of sound gives this hall such a unique character.

RED VELVET CURTAINS

PRESSED ORNAMENTAL CEILING PANELS

WHITE PLASTER

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Architects Pi de Bruijn and Adolf

Leonard van Gendt

Shape Shoebox

Opening Year 1888

Capacity 2,037 seats

Room Volume 18,780 m3

UNOCCUPIED

OCCUPIED

MEASURING THE REVERBERATION TIME TESTING

2.6 seconds (Researched)

2.1 seconds (Tested)

PARCO DELLA MUSICA

Rome, Italy

Parco Della Musica is an expectational example of how concert halls use acoustic walls to create a well-amplified space. The architects and engineers of this project achieved optimum acoustic conditions by using huge ‘cushions’ that hang from the ceiling, their role being to break up the sound.

BRONZE ACOUSTIC FABRIC MATERIAL

BROWN ACOUSTIC FABRIC MATERIAL

WOOD ACOUSTIC PANELS

Architect Renzo Piano

Shape Fan-Shaped

Opening Year 2002

Capacity 2,800 seats

Room Volume 30,000 m3

MEASURING THE REVERBERATION TIME