Kleinhans Music Hall
Buffalo, NY
Seat Count: 2,800
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: 2010
Architect: Hamilton Houston Lownie
AD Scope: Acoustics, Sound Isolation,
Noise Control, Audio Systems
The Kleinhans Music Hall is the home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the last decade $12M had been spent on renovations to the 2,800 seat hall, however there had not been any particular focus on the acoustics of the hall. The orchestra recently commissioned Acoustic Dimensions to conduct a study to evaluate the acoustical quality of the hall. One of the goals of the study was to answer questions such as the potential benefit of orchestra risers, the impact of carpeting in the audience seating area and interior wall finishes in the hall.
The acoustical qualities of a performance hall are determined primarily by the shaping of the room’s interior. Because of the landmark status of Kleinhans, changes to the interior to improve the acoustics were not possible. We did recommend replacing the sound absorbing perforated wood wall finishes with sound reflective finishes, and removal of the carpeting in order to increase reverberation and therefore address the primary complaint which was that the hall sounded too dry. We also recommended that consideration be given to an electronic enhancement system, which simply put, is a system which is able to electronically change the architectural shaping of the hall. The benefits include an improvement in the sense of envelopment and spaciousness, characteristics which are lacking in the room’s natural acoustics.
While the focus of the study was concentrated on improvements to the acoustic environment for orchestral performances, we also provided a brief evaluation of the sound reinforcement system which is used by the orchestra for their Pops programs. The Hall is rented to various organizations for graduations, presentations, comedy performances, etc. which also share the need for a sound reinforcement system. Acoustic Dimensions is now completing bid documents for a new sound system.
The American Folk Art Museum was awarded the prestigious Arup World Architecture Award, a top international prize, for “Best New Building in the World for 2001. The American Folk Art Museum also won the award for “Best North American Building” and “Best Cultural Building in the World.” The Awards are organized by World Architecture Magazine and were judged by a panel of leading architectural experts, drawn from all around the world.
