The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta / Diamond Schmitt Architects

situation:

This $32 million complex features a 140-seat studio theatre and the main 700-seat auditorium, which can function as either a traditional concert hall or a proscenium arch theatre. The building was designed by Diamond Schmitt with Fisher Dachs Associates as the theatre consultants.

assessment:

There were two key challenges for Aercoustics on this project. First, there was a 4-metre discrepancy in optimal ceiling height between the standard computer architectural acoustic model on the one hand, and the Aercoustics engineers’ experience of concert hall acoustics on the other. (As well as the implications for construction costs.)

Second, Aercoustics was asked to optimize the theatre’s displacement HVAC for quietness in the stage, audience and catwalk zones.

solution:

To the acoustical problem, Aercoustics applied its technical expertise and developed “Renaissance”, their Matlab-based proprietary software package which enables a space to be modeled at a 1:20 scale by using ultrasound, rather than a more cumbersome 1:8 or 1:10.

Aercoustics also used an innovative method of analyzing the auditorium’s HVAC noise as part of their solution.

results:

On the performance sound side, based on our listening experience and Renaissance results, we opted for the lower ceiling height, with tremendous acoustic results and cost savings.

Aercoustics’ work on the air conditioning system was not only successful, it informed our contributions to the low noise levels in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto’s new opera house.

Aercoustics was awarded the Schreyer Award in 2007 for the “Renaissance” small scale acoustic modeling system we created and our new procedure for predicting and measuring background noise from ventilation systems for the same project.

The complex, opened on October 22, 2005 to mark Alberta’s centennial, is a significant addition to Canada’s cultural scene, garnering glowing comments from audiences, performers and critics alike.

testimonial:

“Performers from across the country have raved about the acoustics, and in fact we believe we have one of the best acoustic performance spaces in western Canada.”

Carol Beatty, Manager of Cultural Development, EAHC.

“It’s damned good!”

Pinkas Zukerman, Music Director, National Arts Centre Orchestra

“Acoustically, it’s one of the best places to perform in Canada.”

Ben Hepner, Tenor