Abstract:

In the early 1960s, Dr. Leo Beranek correlated reflection patterns in concert halls with qualitative listening experiences. Over the years, practitioners and other researchers have confirmed the validity of his work, proving that the direction, amplitude, frequency composition, and arrival time of the reflections define quality, regardless of room geometry. This paper discusses methods for achieving qualitatively preferred listening experiences in vertical surround halls such as Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Colorado, and the difficulties that can arise when breaking the mold of a traditional shoe-box hall.