So Similar, So Different: Diving in the Physical and Acoustic Features of Two theatres. A Case Study

Abstract

[EN] The study of the acoustic conditions of Concert Halls, Theatres, and Opera House offers the possibility of understanding better the behavior of those spaces. Many researchers have dealt with the physical and acoustic characteristics of landmark venues that host live performances, but many of them still need to be characterized and studied.

The present work aims to perform a comparative analysis of two theatres. We have chosen two theatres with similar characteristics except one, the volume of the main hall in this case: the Olympia Theatre and the Talia Theatre, both located in the city of Valencia (Spain). We want to get deeper into the factors that influence how a certain space sounds. More specifically, the ratios between stage area and audience area.

We have collected geometrical data of both spaces, such as room volume, fly-tower volume, audience surface, stage surface, stage opening surface area, acoustical surface area, etc.; and material and architectural detail data to determine the absorption coefficient of the different surfaces of the space. Moreover, we will conduct acoustical measurements surveys in both theaters.

To summarize, we will work in a three-axis strategy: geometric, acoustic absorption and onsite analytic data, to evaluate the influence of the different parameters in the acoustic behavior of the room and the relationships between them.