Completed in 2010, Acentech consulted on the design of a new 470-seat proscenium theater at Alfred University. We worked to provide the users with an acoustical environment that optimally serves events from theater and musicals to acoustic performances. We worked with the architecture team on the shaping and finishes of the theater, recommended variable acoustical treatments, and provided recommendations for sound isolation between adjacent spaces and from the outdoors. Similarly, we collaborated with the mechanical engineering team to acheive suitably quiet background noise levels in both the theater and rehearsal spaces.

Additionally, Acentech was tasked to design a simple-to-operate sound system that would support smooth and even coverage throughout the seating area and a high degree of intelligibility. Equally as important, we saw that the system maintained the architectural integrity of the space.

Working closely with the architect and the design team, Acentech set out to meet the many challenges presented by the client. First, we created a computer model of the theater to optimize the location of the loudspeakers. Next, we worked to blend the speakers into the architecture. Once we determined the physical location of the sound equipment, we quickly turned our attention to the operational considerations of the systems. We developed a sound system that included an easy to understand graphical interface that guided the user through the operation of the system. Once the design was approved, we worked through the build process to make certain the client’s goals were met. After successfully meeting all the goals, we commissioned the completed system by testing all of the operational configurations including the coverage, audio spectrum, and intelligibility.