Computer modeling and prediction in the design of coupled volumes for a 1000‐seat concert hall at Goshen College, Indiana

The effects of specific architectural parameters (volume, shape, location, aperture size, and location) on the acoustic characteristics of variable‐acoustic coupled volumes were analyzed using the computer modeling application, CATT‐Acoustic. The purpose of the study was to optimize design and determine the effectiveness of coupled volumes for use in the Goshen College Concert Hall, Goshen, Indiana. The computer modeling technique allowed specific variables to be isolated and parameters to be analyzed. Prototype models were evaluated by a visual inspection of decay curves, comparisons of T15, T30, and T60, and auralizations. The goal was to preserve the early decay rate of the main hall while achieving a slower decay rate after 750 ms. The analysis confirmed the use of computer modeling and prediction in studying the acoustic performance of coupled volume designs. Chamber volumes were found to be the most influential factor in realizing the double‐sloped decay. Shape, location, and aperture configuration had noticeable, but lesser, effects on acoustic performance than did chamber volume. To realize efficient acoustic variability for the small‐volume hall researched, the chambers required volumes that compared to large percentages of the main enclosure volume (50–75 percent).