WALT DISNEY

1. •Name: Walt Disney
Concert Hall
•Architect: Frank Gehry
•Date of Completion:
2003
•Location: Los Angeles,
California, USA
•Construction
Companies: Hathaway
Dinwiddie Construction
Company (primary
construction firm)
•Material: Stainless steel
exterior with Douglas Fir
wood and plaster
treatments for interior
acoustics. Iconic pipe
organ designed by
Caspar Glatter-Götz and
built by Manuel Rosales.
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

2. 1.Distinctive Exterior: Gehry's design includes a stunning
stainless steel exterior that features sweeping, curved
forms, giving the building its iconic and unique
appearance.
2.Fluid Geometry: Gehry's approach to the design was
characterized by the use of fluid, organic shapes, which
can be seen both on the exterior and in the interior
spaces of the concert hall.
3.Acoustic Considerations: The architect worked closely
with acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota to create a world-class
acoustic environment within the concert hall, which is
integral to its function as a premier performance venue.
4.Seamless Integration with Surroundings: Gehry aimed
to create a seamless connection between the concert
hall and the surrounding urban environment,
incorporating public spaces and gardens that invite
visitors to interact with the building.
5.Iconic Pipe Organ: One of Gehry's ideas was to
incorporate a visually striking and acoustically impressive
pipe organ, which became one of the hall's most
celebrated features.

4. 1.Douglas Fir: The interior of the concert hall is adorned with Douglas Fir wood, which is known for its excellent sound
reflective and diffusive properties. The wooden panels and surfaces help in creating a warm and resonant sound
environment.
2.Plaster: Special plaster treatments were applied to the interior surfaces of the hall to provide controlled sound
reflection and diffusion.
3.Acoustic Canopies: The ceiling of the auditorium features unique, undulating acoustic canopies made of metal. These
canopies serve both aesthetic and acoustic purposes, helping to disperse sound evenly throughout the hall.
4.Acoustic Curtains: The concert hall is equipped with motorized acoustic curtains that can be adjusted to control the
reverberation time and tailor the acoustics according to the type of performance.
5.Acoustic Baffles: Strategically placed acoustic baffles and diffusers help scatter and control sound reflections,
reducing echoes and enhancing the overall acoustic experience.
6.Acoustic Isolation: The building is designed with floating floors and isolated structures to minimize external noise and
vibrations that could interfere with performances.
7.Acoustic Panels: Acoustic panels made from specialized materials can be incorporated into the design to further fine-
tune sound reflections and absorption.
8.Sound-Reflective Surfaces: Carefully positioned reflective surfaces can ensure that sound is directed towards the
audience and musicians, optimizing the acoustic experience.
9.Sound-Absorbing Materials: Various materials with sound-absorbing properties can be used in the interior to control
unwanted echoes and reverberations.
10.Floating Floors: The use of floating floors with isolation materials can minimize vibrations from external sources,
contributing to a quieter and undisturbed performance space.
11.Acoustic Seating: The design of the seating area, including the arrangement and materials used, can also impact the
overall acoustic experience for the audience.

5. ACOUSTICS DIAGRAM

8. The acoustic design of
a concert hall is a
complex process that
involves the careful
selection and
arrangement of
various materials and
features to achieve
optimal sound quality
and enhance the
musical experience for
the audience. Acoustic
engineers may use a
combination of
reflective, diffusive,
and absorptive
materials to control
sound reflections,
reduce echoes, and
create a balanced and
immersive acoustic
environment.