Acoustical elements were introduced into the 1926 Horace Trumbauer-designed building so that it can be used effectively for orchestra performances and lecture programs.

Keast & Hood provided structural engineering for renovation of the 85,000-sf building. The stage was modified to include an acoustic shell. Side balconies were removed and large sound reflectors constructed to close off these spaces and further enhance acoustics. In the ambulatory space captured by construction of the reflectors, a small recital hall and cafe were added. The stage house was infilled with two floor levels to accommodate large group rehearsals and mechanical equipment. Other modifications included ADA accessibility improvements, two new elevators, fire stairs, ambulatory and lobby improvements, and mechanical and electrical upgrades.

Acoustical elements were introduced into the 1926 Horace Trumbauer-designed building so that it can be used effectively for orchestra performances and lecture programs.

Keast & Hood provided structural engineering for renovation of the 85,000-sf building. The stage was modified to include an acoustic shell. Side balconies were removed and large sound reflectors constructed to close off these spaces and further enhance acoustics. In the ambulatory space captured by construction of the reflectors, a small recital hall and cafe were added. The stage house was infilled with two floor levels to accommodate large group rehearsals and mechanical equipment. Other modifications included ADA accessibility improvements, two new elevators, fire stairs, ambulatory and lobby improvements, and mechanical and electrical upgrades.

CLIENT: Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc. (now VSBA, LLC)
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA

TYPE: Academic, Cultural, Historic, SERVICES: Historic Preservation, Renovation, Structural Intervention, MATERIALS: Concrete, Steel, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Completed project photography © Julie Marquart