Our acoustics team recently presented two papers at the International Symposium on Music and Room Acoustics (ISMRA 2025) in New Orleans, both published in the Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics by the Acoustical Society of America. More than academic research, these papers offer practical insights that can directly benefit your next project.
The first paper, authored by TLCers Arthur van der Harten and David Kahn, examines the design of rehearsal rooms for large musical ensembles, where balancing loudness control with reverberation is critical. Room volume is the single most impactful factor, and when it falls short, designers must choose between a space that is too loud or one that feels too dead for musicians. The paper reviews projects at Texas A&M University, the University of Delaware, Florida State University, and West Point Military Academy, each presenting unique constraints. Solutions ranged from reclaiming ceiling height and introducing adjustable absorptive finishes to installing electronic acoustic enhancement systems that allow a single room to simulate a variety of performance environments.
For clients planning new or renovated music facilities, these case studies offer a roadmap for avoiding common pitfalls and making the most of available space and budget.
The second paper, also by van der Harten, explores how open-source simulation tools can help evaluate the performance of custom finishes before construction begins. Using Pachyderm Acoustic Simulation, the team demonstrated methods for predicting the absorption of sculptural fabric ceilings, testing the acoustic transparency of decorative wood grillages, and measuring the scattering behavior of bespoke wall surfaces. In each case, simulation provided insights that traditional rules of thumb could not.
For project teams considering unique materials or design features, this means fewer unknowns, reduced risk of costly rework, and greater confidence that the finished space will perform as intended.
Want to dive deeper? Download the full published papers below:
- Download: “Recent Practice in the Design of Rehearsal Rooms” (PDF)
- Download: “Open-Source Numerical Tools for Evaluating Unique Finish Designs” (PDF)
Interested in learning more? Reach out to our acoustics team to discuss how we can support your next project and explore our portfolio flipbook.