Simpkins Recital Hall
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Simpkins Recital Hall is the conversion of a former ROTC gymnasium into a 450-seat music hall. On a modest budget, a primarily gypsum board and plaster skin was inserted into the existing gymnasium jacket. In order to maximize reverberance, large apertures appear in the upper side walls to capture the additional acoustic volume above the [former] side seating tiers. Heavy velour adjustable acoustic draperies are also employed so that the user(s) can adapt the liveliness of the space to the specific performance program.

Architect : Morris Architects | Planners [2001]
Acoustic Design : The Talaske Group 

[acoustic design from idea conception through design, implementation, and opening]