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Boston Symphony Hall


Project Name

Boston Symphony Hall

Location

Boston, MA

Owner

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Architect

Annum Architects // Epstein Joslin // Scattergood

Project Name

Boston Symphony Hall

Location

Boston, MA

Owner

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Architect

Annum Architects // Epstein Joslin // Scattergood

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Boston Symphony Hall interior
Jonah Sacks Boston Symphony Hall Practice
Boston Symphony Hall Interior Acentech test dummy
Bob Berens Performing Site measurements at the BSO

Acentech’s Studio A team has been involved in numerous upgrade, improvement, and renovation projects at Boston’s revered Symphony Hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our goal for every project has been to maintain the acoustical integrity of the Hall during and after the renovations.

When the Hall was first air conditioned in the 1970s, we helped to ensure suitably low ventilation noise in the hall and in other spaces.

When the orchestra considered replacing its stage risers some 20 years ago, we conducted extensive studies of onstage acoustics.

In 2002, a major refurbishment and upgrade of the hall’s concert organ was undertaken. This upgrade required the complete removal of the organ and pipes, and left the organ chamber empty for a period of the concert season. We conducted extensive studies before and during this renovation to document and mitigate any impact to the hall’s acoustics.

By 2004, the original wood flooring of the performance platform needed complete replacement. Prior to the design of the new floor, we studied the role of the floor in the acoustics on stage and in audience seating areas, with special attention to the effect of the floor on the lower strings.

In 2006, we provided advice on finish treatments for a major overhaul of lobby spaces and back-of-house facilities.

In 2008, when the Orchestra revealed and replaced the Hall’s long-shuttered clerestory windows, we designed a new noise-reducing glazing system to ensure that noise from outdoor traffic would not enter the Hall through these windows.

Most recently, we conducted measurements and provided design guidance for the wholesale replacement of the legendary hard-cushioned audience seating throughout the Hall.

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