Case Study: Zaha'a Music Hall

Controlling reverberation
The music of Bach is known for its complexity and, as such, the way in which the notes are played and then travel from the instruments to the listener’s ear is of the utmost importance.

“For optimum conditions for chamber music it is important to ensure that the reverberation time is not too long as this blurs individual notes so music can lose its intricacy,” explains Howarth. “Equally it should not be too short as this provides a lack of response for the performer and causes the music to sound overly dry.”

To address this challenge, ZHA and Sandy Brown Associates looked for a design that would achieve a reverberation time of 1.4 to 1.7 seconds at mid-frequencies (500-1000 Hz) with a higher reverberation at lower (bass) frequencies to provide what acousticians call a “warm room” response.

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FEATURED COMMENT ZHA's fantastic, sometimes too complex, we once make glass for her design ...don't want to do again ... :)   1 Comments Read more comments »

Specifically, ZHA researched different materials for the installation—including myriad fabrics, metals and plastics—which were then developed into CAD models and imported into acoustic modelling software by Sandy Brown Associates.

Measurements in the room indicated the existing ceiling and the large void behind it provided a significant amount of acoustic absorption. According to Howarth, “[This space] influenced the choice of materials for the installation as the designers wanted to avoid adding too much additional sound absorptive material to ensure the acoustics did not become too dry.”

The intangibles
The design process, while painstaking, enabled the investigation of different finishes and sculptural shapes to enhance acoustic conditions around the stage and extending into the audience areas.

As Alex Poots, director of the Manchester International Festival of Music suggests, the value of the structure lies not just in its architectural and acoustic brilliance, but also in the experience the structure brings to its users.

“ZHA consistently came up with challenging and innovative ideas,” explains Poots. “It has been wonderful to see the realisation of this project and experience such intimate performances from the concert musicians within it.”