MSU Chemistry Building Auditorium Renovations

When this auditorium freshening project began, improvement in the room acoustics was a high priority for the University.

New teaching techniques that involve more group discussion were not suited to the old style lecture hall where students could not easily hear each other. Additionally, the reflecting surfaces at the front of the room were hampering acoustic delivery of lectures.

To address these issues, Soundscape Engineering designed a ceiling that incorporated reflective surfaces at the center to facilitate cross-room discussion between students while using the ceiling perimeter and side walls for acoustical treatments to control reverberation time. The rear wall was treated to prevent adverse reflections. The function of the room has been much improved according to feedback from the users.