Russell Hall Music Building
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Client: University of Northern Iowa
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: 2008
Seat Count: 400
Architects: John Sinclair HIlle Architects
AD Scope: Acoustics, Audio, Video
Music is resonating clearer than ever at Russell Hall on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Acoustic Dimensions consulted on this project to provide improved acoustic quality within the 1962 building, which re-opened in late September 2008. The 400-seat Russell Auditorium was renovated with new performance systems, new seating, and a great deal of acoustical flexibility. The building’s mechanical systems were completely replaced, requiring a great of rebuilding of the specialty sound isolating construction. This provided an opportunity to provide significant upgrades in the sound isolation between adjacent music practice rooms. Sound isolation between adjacent faculty studios was not upgraded, but the room finishes were upgraded, and now include a simple system of adjustable acoustics that allow each studio to be tuned, depending on use (voice, brass, strings, etc.).
The project included a building addition which includes a new large instrumental rehearsal room and a large choral
rehearsal room with plenty of natural light. Both rooms double as informal performance spaces. The instrumental
rehearsal room is designed with very high levels of sound isolation, allowing it to also function as a large recording
studio. Both of these rehearsal rooms include significant adjustability in the acoustics to allow for a wide range of uses with respect to instrumentation and musical style. The adjustable acoustics are accomplished with a combination of manually-retractable velour curtains, and hinged fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels.
