Simulated acoustic characteristics of stage displacements in a shoebox hall: the Cultural Centre Concert Hall in Taipei.

Since the opening of the Berlin Philharmonic Hall in 1963, the surround configuration has been preferred and used worldwide by architects because of its dramatic visual appearance and the proximity of the audience to the stage. However, according to a study by Beranek, the three most highly rated concert halls in the world for acoustics have a shoebox shape. The aim of this study, therefore, was to study the acoustic characteristics of stage displacement in a shoebox hall. A simplified wire-frame model of the Cultural Centre Concert Hall in Taipei, Taiwan was used as a case study. This stunning performing arts building has a seating capacity of 2077 and a shoebox configuration. Five different stage displacements along the central axis were proposed. The original ceiling configuration was used and moved with each stage displacement. Fixed materials and their relevant absorption coefficients were also used in the study. Acoustic parameters were simulated. The results showed that, for the best audience distance to the stage the simulated T30 increased to approximately 0.45 seconds at 1000 Hz. To meet the original T30 design goal of 2.45 seconds at 1000 Hz, approximately 200 m2 of 0.90 NRC acoustic wall panels were installed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]