Illinios State University
Performing Arts Center
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
Seat Count: 850 Concert Hall, 450 Theatre
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: October 2002
Cost: $20 Million
Architect: HGA
AD Scope: Acoustics, Sound Isolation,
Noise Control, Audio Systems
The Illinois State University Performing Arts Centre features a new 850-seat concert hall and a 460-seat proscenium theatre. AD was made a key member of the design team at the very beginning of the project. This allowed us to insure that the new building would provide excellent support to the fine arts programs.
Almost every wall surface in the concert hall is solid masonry construction, and the floor is stained concrete rather than carpet. This helps to create a rich warm sound. The liveness of the hall can also be "tuned" for different types of performances by opening or closing drapes on the walls and adjusting acoustical "clouds" and panels hanging from the ceiling.
Because the theatre and the concert hall are adjacent to each other, AD worked with HGA to create an isolated hallway between the two auditoriums to act as an acoustical barrier as well as serve the practical function of giving patrons a way to get from the parking garage area to the lobby.
In addition to the acoustic design, AD also designed the audio for the new theatre and concert hall. As with most university projects, the College of Fine Arts relies on donations. AD worked to create a design which could be implemented in phases as funds become available. The loudspeaker system is a left/center/right system designed to support amplified music. The loudspeakers will be attached to a motorized winch so that they can be raised out of the way for acoustic music performance. Audio systems for the theatre are portable to allow the sound designer maximum flexibility in configuring the room for each performance.
