Acoustics of Multi-Use Performing Arts Centers

Finally, institutions and arts leaders have a time-tested, transparent resource which can guide them through the turbulent, mysterious waters of performance hall design and construction. This brilliant book should be in the hands of anyone invested in the successful creation of a useful, sustainable, high quality venue. -David Finckel, Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York, USA ... a no-nonsense book written by an old salt of a practitioner. It is pedagogical and lays out the basic physical principles in an understandable way for [a] non-acoustician, for design team members and end users alike. It offers a step by step description of various areas of interest and I have especially enjoyed the idea of myths and the way they are deconstructed. ... I am sure this book will be a welcome addition to both student and professional libraries as well as to whoever can be interested in the matter of multi-purpose halls. -Marc Asselineau, Peutz & Associates, France The book is focused on multi-purpose auditoria and is passionate in how to design the building so that the audience and orchestra enjoy the performance. Practical examples abound, with emphasis on architectural design solutions... -Stephen Dance, London South Bank University, UK If you work in, design or operate systems for multipurpose venues, this might be just the book you are looking for if you want to understand a little more about those pesky acoustics that often come to plague us. - Peter Mapp, Sound & Communications Magazine This book is an inspiring resource for students, architects, acousticians - anyone involved in designing and building performing arts buildings. Mark Holden's detailed insight on achieving acoustic excellence through comprehensive design and team collaboration is what our industry needs to produce successful, great sounding buildings. -Jack P. Hagler, Schuler Shook, Theatre Planners, USA Intimacy is an important feature of a performance hall. It pulls the audience in and provides a direct connection with musicians. In this book, Mark Holden describes a toolbox of acoustic solutions to create intimacy in a hall no matter the programming. -Sharon Lu, Programme Director, Cultural Management Team, The University of Hong Kong The Acoustics of Multi-Use Performing Arts Centers examines the scientific theory behind designing a flexible use performance hall as well as its successful application. At the Dallas City Performance Hall, Mark Holden and the Jaffe Holden team masterfully addressed the needs of multiple users and delivered a hall whose fine acoustics, adaptable to many artistic disciplines, are praised regularly by artists, audiences and even music critics! -Maria Munoz-Blanco, Director, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, USA A long-needed book of extraordinary value for all concerned with the programming, design, construction, and most importantly, the use of performing arts facilities. This is a must-buy for the libraries of musicians, architects, engineers, consultants, and facility managers. -William J. Cavanaugh, Past President, National Council of Acoustical Consultants, USA They used to say that there's no such thing as a great multi-purpose hall. They were wrong and the Mead Theater of Dayton's Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is the proof. This facility is a world-class concert hall, a superb opera house, and a first-class venue for amplified Broadway shows. For organizations like the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance that produce ballet, opera, and symphonic repertoire, having a home like the Schuster Center is key to our artistic success. Mark Holden's book shows how he accomplished this great feat! -Neal Gittleman, Conductor and Artistic Director, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, USA This book is like having an assistant at the ready to guide one through the complex and interrelated design decisions that must be considered for a successful multi-use hall. -Noise Control Engr. Journal