Theatre Design & Technology - Oct 1974 - 36

auditorium structure. It is to be served by entrances on

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir:
In my article "Design Considerations for a Demountable
Concert Enclosure (Symphonic Shell)", TD&T, #36, Feb.
1974, a section of the table was omitted under Item C,
Low Frequency Diffusion Patterns and Acoustic Coupling
Techniques .. I n this section under Articulating Shell,
Pavilion/Amphiteatre, the following should be included:
"Allow low frequency energy to couple with rear of
pavilion."
In the same section under Articulating Shell, MultiPurpose Theatre, we should include, "Allow low frequency
energy to couple with stage house using scrim." Keep
draperies to a minimum.
Again, under Combination Shell, Multi-Purpose Theatre,
we should include, "Allow low frequency energy to couple
with sealed portion of stage house, using scrim if
necessary."
Subsequent to publ ication several of my colleagues
have called to my attention the fact that in providing
shell surface densities for the contained shell, I did not
mention the fact that these panels must be properly
formed or braced to provide stiffness factors that would be
compatible to their density in terms of the reflection of
desired low frequency energy.
This, of course, would not apply as strongly to the
articulated shell, although stiffness is a factor in certain
designs.
Sincerely,
Christopher Jaffe

three sides and will have skyway connection with a
750-car parking ramp across Marquette Avenue. Three
floating levels in the lobby's airy expanse will be reachable
by short stairways and an elevator.
Orchestra Hall is a "sound-lock" structure, meaning
that the auditorium and its corridors are being carefully
insulated from exterior noise and vibration.
The auditorium will seat 2,573 patrons - 1,594 on the
main floor and 979 in three balconies. The stage is to have
permanent rear and side walls and will accommodate the
full Minnesota Orchestra plus a chorus of at least 160
voices. The interior of the auditorium, including the stage
walls, is being finished primarily in wood. The ceiling is of
plaster, cast in a highly decorative design.
Adjacent to the auditorium structure, on the Nicollet
Mall side, will be offices for the administrative staff and
volunteers. Facilities for musicians and other artists are to
extend from the structure on the 12th Street side. These
include studios, offices, dressing rooms, a gracious green
room where audiences and artists can meet, as well as a
lou nge and ample space for instrument storage. A load ing
ramp along 12th Street will give the Orchestra and other
organizations access to a freight elevator serving the entire
backstage area.

NEW MINNEAPOLIS ARTS COMPLEX
The $26 million Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts
complex designed by Japanese master architect Kenzo
Tange is in the final stages of completion, and each of the
three constituent organizations of the Society - The
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minneapolis College of
Art and Design, and the Children's Theatre Company - is
preparing for the Inaugural Celebration this fall climaxing
on Sunday, October 6 with the official presentation of the

NEWS . .. Cant. from Page 5

complex to the public.

ACOUSTICS, AESTHETICS RECEIVE HIGH PRIOR ITY
IN MINNEAPOLIS ORCHESTRA HALL DESIGN

NEW ADDRESS FOR U.S.A., N.Y., N.Y.

Orchestra Hall, magnificent new home of the Minnesota
Orchestra, is the realization of a decades-old dream. After
71 seasons, the Orchestra will be playing to Minneapolis
audiences in a hall designed with the Orchestra's needs
primarily in mind.
Now, the concertgoer can look forward to an evening
of musical enjoyment in an atmosphere of acoustical
precision and aesthetic charm. Opening of the facility is
set for October 23rd, 1974.
Situated in downtown Minneapolis, Orchestra Hall will
be easily accesible by car and bus. It is being constructed
on a beautifully landscaped diagonal half-block plot
between Marquette Avenue and the Nicollet Mall and
11 th and 12th Streets.

The office of United Scenic Artists in New York has a
new address. I tis:
United Scenic Artists, Local #829
1540 Broadway
15th Floor
New York, N. Y.
Phone (212) 575-5120

UNIONIZA nON . ... Cant. from Page 9
professional quality is important and stands as living proof
of the cooperation possible between all workers in the
thea tre.
*
NOTES

The main lobby will rise almost to the full height of the

Typewritten

letter

from

Betty Cae

Armstrong,

THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

recording

OCTOBER. 1974

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