The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston opened its new Art of the Americas Wing in November, 2010. This $345 Million expansion added dozens of new galleries for American artwork, along with the impressive Shapiro Family Courtyard – a dynamic gathering space for MFA visitors and a venue for special events. Acentech consulted on the acoustical and audiovisual design throughout the new and renovated Museum, including this glass-enclosed space.

As part of our work on the MFA’s Shapiro Family Courtyard, Acentech conducted acoustical surveys of atrium spaces throughout the Boston area. We used this data to support our acoustical recommendations, along with a sophisticated computer model and acoustical simulation (“auralization”) of how the Courtyard would sound under various conditions – for example, filled with a large gathering of people, in a dining configuration, and with amplified speech or a live music ensemble. Members of the design team and Museum representatives were able to hear how the space would sound before the acoustical treatments and finishes had been installed. We also simulated the sound of speech in the Courtyard with and without the special amplification system that Acentech designed. After listing to the auralization, the team was able to hear the effects of Acentech’s recommendations and make informed decisions about the design.

Listen to these samples of our acoustical simulation (“auralization”) of the sound of the courtyard during a large banquet event. You can listen first to the event as it might have sounded without any acoustical treatment to the space, and then to the event as it would sound in the acoustically treated courtyard as it stands today. Notice the dramatic difference in loudness and clarity: the event is much less loud as a result of the acoustical treatment, and it is easier to hold conversations and enjoy the music.

Banquet event in courtyard without any acoustical treatment

Banquet event, with live music, in courtyard without any acoustical treatment

Banquet event in courtyard with acoustical absorption as built

Banquet event, with live music, in courtyard with acoustical absorption as built

In addition to the Courtyard, Acentech gave special attention to the acoustical design of the galleries throughout the Art of the Americas Wing, thus allowing the full range of patron experiences, from quiet contemplation of artwork, to tours and lively engagement with exhibits.

The Museum’s expansion also included the Alfond Auditorium, a sophisticated new 150-seat space for films, lectures, and concerts. Acentech’s careful acoustical design and near-silent background sound support these various uses; the extensive audio and video systems serve various types of multi-media presentations in the Auditorium.