Music in an Atrium of a Shopping Center

A large atrium of a shopping center is dedicated to shows of various genres. Often pop, rock and jazz concerts are also offered to the public. Over time the managers became aware of the acoustic deficiencies of the site, for this use, and began a program aimed at the reduction of drawbacks emerging from live music. Therefore, the authors were asked to quickly analyse and ameliorate the acoustics of the atrium. The results of the initial analyses, based on measurements and computer simulations, suggested that the first step was the control of the sound reflected by a large transparent dome located over the performing area. Because of constraints imposed by the management, a rather lightweight canopy shaped like a disc with sound absorbing properties was designed. It was implemented rapidly and suspended between the performing area and the dome at the height of 7 m. Computer simulations and subsequent measurements carried out with the canopy mounted at the site showed that some positive results had been accomplished.