ASA 129th Meeting - Washington, DC - 1995 May 30 .. Jun 06

4aAA1. An introduction to performance enclosure acoustics.

Dennis A. Paoletti

Paoletti Associates, Inc., 40 Gold St., San Francisco, CA 94133

This paper will provide an introduction and overview of the acoustical parameters typically established by acoustical consultants in the design of ``enclosures'' surrounding musicians performing on stage in theaters, concert halls, and multipurpose auditoria. A broad view of enclosure design must include facility design, musical instrument acoustics, engineering, theater consulting, and architectural design. Size, shape, configuration, and materials selection are all important re: the acoustical performance of the enclosure. However, storage for enclosure components, structural considerations (in the engineering design of the enclosure, as well as the engineering of the stage/backstage area that will house the enclosure), and operational and maintenance characteristics must also be considered. As complex as all of these issues are to balance during the design of a performing arts complex, not to mention budget, the success of the enclosure is ultimately in the hands, and ears, of the performing musicians, which leads to further considerations involving psychoacoustics, visual aesthetics, fables, environmental conditions, and even potential conditions surrounding a performance faculty and its performing arts organizations.