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Synopsis

For centuries, civilizations have used music and sound as a form of artistic expression. From early amphitheatres, to dramatic gothic cathedrals, to modern-day concert halls, humans have been fine-tuning acoustic design in accordance with historical architectural and mathematical ideas. A successful music venue is one that combines both high-level acoustic and artistic design, creating a spectator experience that is both visually and acoustically stunning. In order to provide the best sound quality possible, the shape, materials, and structures of the hall must work together to direct, reflect, and amplify sound waves appropriately. This talk will begin by discussing some historical designs of cathedrals, theatres, and concert halls as they pertain to the evolution of music, art, and mathematics. Furthermore, it will delve into three of the most common modern concert hall styles: namely, the shoebox, seen at the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria; the fan, seen at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan; and the vineyard, seen at the DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen, Denmark. The qualities of each of these shapes will be explored, as well as additional material and structure design required to mitigate issues such as by flutter echoes, focusing, and low-frequency attenuation. These concepts will be explored from both a physical and artistic lens and put into the context of human history.