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The College of Music at the University of North Texas is recognized as one of the nation’s top comprehensive music schools. Graduates include distinguished concertmasters and principal musicians for a number of national and international symphonies, soloists with the Metropolitan Opera and numerous Grammy award winners.
Fueled by its widespread interest and renown, the university wished to renovate its existing music building concert hall with the goal of providing an optimum performance venue for both musicians and the audience.
A 1960s building had been home to the music program, with technology comparable to a high school auditorium of the era. Poor acoustics were exacerbated by noise generated from aged mechanical systems, external conditions, obsolete seating and deficient or non-existent sound locks. The size and configuration of the space lacked intimacy, and support spaces needed to be upgraded to reflect the caliber of the institution.
The challenge ahead was to create a quiet, intimate concert hall, improve mechanical and electrical systems and update interior finishes.
Four major objectives were put forth by the university:
- Create an intimate concert hall that integrates stage and seating
- Eliminate unwanted noise generated by outdated systems and equipment
- Improve acoustics for optimum reverberation time for various types of performers
- Improve audience and performer amenities
By reshaping the interior, the space is being transformed from a general-purpose 635-seat hall into a 300-seat intimate recital hall better suited to chamber music, small ensemble and choral performances. A close, personal performance experience is realized through the reconfiguration of seating, improved acoustics and changes of materials. Ground level balconies serve as box seats, and parterre seating has been added to side sections, narrowing the hall into a more intimate space, while improving acoustical properties. Carpet, wood trim and veneers impart warmth.
Located directly underneath the stage, the building’s central plant generated undue noise and vibration that interfered with acoustics. The stage shell is being replaced to help isolate noise from the plant, and upgraded mechanical ductwork will help mitigate sound transmission to the stage.
Inside the hall, achieving optimal acoustics required a delicate balance of absorption of unwanted sound, fine-tuning of performance sound reverberation and adequate spatial volume to capture desired sound. Above the stage, suspended acoustic clouds, or prefabricated fabric wrapped panels, serve a dual purpose. Acting as sound locks, they insulate against the penetration of outside noise, such as rain, and help redirect desired sound back into the hall, benefiting performers and viewers alike. The clouds are adjustable to accommodate varying types of performance venues, and the spaces between the clouds offer greater volume than that created by a ceiling alone.
Sound isolating corridors have been added to the side sections of the hall and facets within the walls increase low frequency reverberation time. Lobby vestibules serve as light and sound locks.
Unlike typical catwalks used to access hard to maintain lighting apparatus dispersed above seating, a technical balcony takes shape as a ceiling walkway housing adjustable perimeter lighting. In addition to ease of access and control, the balcony also facilitates entry from backstage.
The stage side and rear walls will be constructed with movable towers for flexible reconfiguration, and tower surfaces are of reversible materials to allow for either sound reflection or absorption, depending on venue needs. Additional improved amenities include an on-stage performer green room, new flooring and finish materials, six distributed wheelchair seating locations and upgraded and expanded restrooms for ADA compliance.
The UNT former music hall is re-emerging as a state of the art performance space that integrates audience and performer, providing an ideal backdrop for a mutual optimum music experience. |
