Abstract:

Paul Veneklasen will be remembered most for his contributions to architectural acoustics, especially completed, highly acclaimed auditoriums, ranging from the Seattle Opera House and Los Angeles Music Center to Wolf Trap Farm Park to name a few. But he also left a legacy of hundreds of radio, television, and recording studios, and virtually every other building type from office buildings to convention centers and even jet engine test cells and noise suppressors. But less known are his development of orchestra enclosures, pit lifts, multilayer gypsum board construction, damped glass panels, floating floors, and sound doors incorporating magnetic seals and acoustical filters. His research extended from optimizing sight lines and seating arrangements in auditoriums, acoustical modeling, and theater chairs. Highlights of Paul Veneklasen's well-known projects, developments, and research are presented.