Acoustics in architecture and the design of a recording studio

Abstract

The word studio is derived from the Latin term studium referring to the artist's work place. In modem usage an explanatory noun is generally added to the prefix of the word denoting what type of artistic function occurs within the studio. Thus the sound recording studio is a place where artists record sound. The sound recording studio as we know it began to evolve in the late 1950s. During the 1960s technical advancements in the recording of music forced the recording studio to adapt. Research pertaining to the control and understanding of the recording studio's acoustical environment was conducted. Much experimentation concerned with sound absorption, reverberation control, diffusion and ways to control standing waves, echoes and other disruptive properties of sound, as well as construction techniques and material usage, guided and informed the design process. Unfortunately, a large percentage of these specialized spaces were designed by acoustical engineers and contractors without the input of the architect. These spaces were designed with the proper acoustics needed for a recording studio but lacked the aesthetic qualities that help inspire and fuel the creative process involved in the recording of a musical program. Because the recording studio is a technology-based facility the challenge is to understand these requirements and design a facility that shows what architecture can contribute to a specialized technology-driven building type.