The design challenges for Kennesaw State University’s new concert hall related primarily to room shaping and sound isolation. 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, which was later developed with a curved, wrapped seating plan. With all the seating on the main floor and no balcony requirement, AD incorporated an acoustical soffit around the sides and the back of the seating area to provide the same beneficial early reflections to the audience that a balcony supplies in a larger room.

The room is designed to accommodate a wide range of programming, including large orchestras, ensembles, and choirs - in addition to jazz, amplified music performances, and lectures. The design features a coupled cavity outside of the visible boundaries of the room, which provides additional volume for a more expansive acoustical sensation without increasing floor area. The adjustability inherent in the openings between the visible and hidden volumes, and in the retractable curtains around the room, allow the auditorium to be to appropriately scaled and tuned for the needs of each particular performance. AD and the architect worked together to develop a cost-effective wood slat screening system that conceals the volume and the curtains on the upper level without reducing their acoustical benefit.

The basic exterior wall structure for the new building was conceived as pre-cast, thermally insulated concrete panels, which have the added acoustical benefits of outstanding sound isolation performance and support of bass response for a rich, warm, enveloping sound.

Mechanical and electrical systems were carefully developed in conjunction with the engineers to ensure that background noise levels will be virtually inaudible within the concert hall, supporting the highest possible level of artistry.

The loudspeaker system will be designed to support speech intelligibility.

Theatrical lighting is designed to highlight full orchestras and chamber orchestra. Theatrical lighting will also be used to illuminate portions of the main floor.