| Abstrakt: |
Design criteria for the surfaces surrounding the space where orchestral sounds emanate are extremely limited. Observing the exceptionally fine qualitative results achieved through the use of materials that absorb sound below 100 cycles, as well as the predictable musical acoustic response of shells designed with flexible-wall and ceiling-panel positions, a three-year test-evaluation program was initiated in conjunction with the actual installation of 17 selective-absorption, tunable concert shells. The installations range from small theater-type auditoria to large municipal auditoria and university field houses. Included in the analysis are concert enclosures designed for major American symphony orchestras, as well as for music departments of colleges and universities. The paper reviews the qualitative results of the 17 shell installations, the important new concepts in shell design revealed by the test data and field experience, and explains how the theory of selective absorbtion can be applied to the design criteria of concert shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
