Description.

Lawrence 115 is a lecture hall that seats approximately 140. The dimensions are 32' wide x 50' long x about 12' high. It is used throughout the week for architecture, art history and other lectures. The room finishes include gypsum board walls, wooden chairs and a vinyl tile floor.

The materials above are the only materials that appear to be an attempt at controlling sound in Lawrence 115. The image at the top shows the existing "acoustical plaster". The bottom image shows the acoustical tiles at the rear of the room. They have been painted over several times, reducing the porosity and possibly the acoustical performance.
Intial Questions we encountered when observing the space were:
  • Does the textured ceiling improve the acoustical environment?
  • Do the perforated panels on the rear wall absorb sound?
  • Are the proportions of the room ideal?
  • Are the reflective surfaces in the right locations to help, or are they worsening the situation?
  • Could the sloped floor present an opportunity to contribute in a postive way to the acoustical environment?
  • Was the ceiling shaped appropriately to support the acoustical environment.

In considering these questions, we formulated the following hypothesis:

HYPOTHESIS:

The acoustical environment in LA115 could be improved to support lectures with minimal architectural modifications.