Part B
Studio work
The main idea or concept we as a group based our design on was a shell. The idea that shells create a good shape to reverberate sound, given that the function of the hub is to be an amphitheatre.
Our concept whilst been realistic needed to be improved in certain areas to achieve the final design.
Acoustics in theatres/amphitheatres
Recent surveys discussed in all books all point to a certain set of principles discussed for good acoustics, for amphitheatres: clarity, reverberation, envelopment, intimacy and loudness. Clarity been the ability hear music details, reverberation to the sense of reverberation, envelopment the degree to which the listener feels surrounded. Intimacy the extent to which the listener identifies with the performance. Some listeners, for instance prefer good intimacy, while others seek full reverberance. For the best acoustics it is therefore necessary to optimize the various attributes as far as possible.
Relating this to the overall concept
To achieve the best overall acoustics, the shape the shell creates would be best. Its curves lines would reverberate sound to the listener at an equal and consistent rate. The listener would be situated in the centre of the performance. However this is not practical as the audience would need to rotate constantly to observe.
In order to achieve this , yet still remain an amphitheatre. The original idea of splitting the roof and floor plan would still be implemented however; the final roof structure would overhang the audience seated area. This allowing sound waves to reverberate over the audience instead of disappearing before it reached the audience. The way that sound works is that it needs a surface to bounce off before it reaches the ear. By partially enclosing the sides, sound will be able to reverberate both on the roof structure and the walls, still allowing the audience to experience the outdoor.
