Bailey Performance Center
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Client: Kennesaw State University
Project type: New Construction
Seat Count: 700
Complete: 2007
Architects: Stevens & Wilkinson Stang &
Newdow
AD Scope: Acoustics, Auditorium Design,
Audio, Video, Lighting
Kennesaw State University’s new concert hall is designed to accommodate a wide range of programming, including large orchestras, ensembles, and choirs - in addition to jazz, amplified music performances, and lectures. Tremendous adjustability in the acoustics is provided by a series of doors around the performance platform that control how much sound can enter into the large volume that wraps around and above the performance platform and seating area. There are also many retractable curtains around the room, allowing the auditorium to be to appropriately scaled and tuned for the needs of each particular performance.
The greatest design challenge for Kennesaw State University’s new concert hall related the goal to create an acoustical environment to accommodate large wind ensembles and a full orchestra in a room with seating for only 700 people. To add to this challenge was a very limited construction budget. We accomplished this goal by using precast concrete exterior panel construction which provides a very effective barrier to outside noise, and provides an excellent acoustical boundary to support a rich reverberant sound inside the hall with excellent warmth of tone. The visual boundaries of the room are created with a wood grille that hides more than half of the total room volume from view.
The initial design concept featured a main, single side entry at the back of the concert hall. This inspired AD’s asymmetrical design concept for the room.
