MacPhail Center for the Arts
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Seat Count: 200
Opening: 2007
Cost:$25 Million
Client: MacPhail Center for Music
Architect: James Dayton Design, Ltd.
AD Scope: Acoustics, Auditorium Design

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"In the performance hall – the sound was fantastic. It was clear, articulate, rich. It was indeed strong...We were all quite impressed with the acoustics and very, very pleased." —Paul Babcock, Executive Vice President, MacPhail Center for Music

News! 06.2008 | James Dayton Design was given a Merit Award for the MacPhail Center by AIA Minneapolis
News! 02.2008 | StarTribune.com: Auspicious debut for chamber music series at MacPhail

Acoustic Dimensions (AD) commenced this project with an interactive process of working with MacPhail to understand their prioritized program goals with respect to acoustics. To facilitate this process, AD went with project team members to listen to other performance and instructional spaces. AD then translated MacPhail’s response to the acoustical attributes of these other spaces into quantitative acoustical Design Criteria.

The musician’s learning space, required special construction to produce a high-level of sound isolation from adjacent studios; not only to either side, but also from above and below. The solution AD developed in concept was to develop a “room within a room” construction. Double walls between each studio combined with double flooring and double ceiling construction mitigate sound transfer between studios, providing Instructors concurrent use of each studio without disruption from other noise sources or other contiguous studios.

The performance space is used for a wide variety of music types and the room has been configured to provide flexibility while at the same time enhancing the connection between the audience and the performer. A recess in the floor and a series of moveable platforms allow multiple configurations of performances and seating arrangements that provide good sightlines (and sound lines) from performer to audience. Retractable velour curtains were added to allow adjustment of the room’s liveness and reverberation.