KKL Luzern
The 1 898-seat Luzern concert hall provides enormous acoustical flexibility by means of a reverberation chamber with operable doors, a height adjustable canopy and variable sound absorbing finishes.
During 2006 and 2007, Eckhard Kahle was responsible for optimising the acoustical settings of the hall both for the Lucerne Festival and for performances throughout the year. Between 2008 and 2010 the acoustical settings were reviewed and refined through discussions with the KKL staff responsible for the day-to-day operation.
Projectgegevens
Inregeling/Interventie KKL Luzern www.kkl-luzern.ch
Locatie Lucerne, Switzerland.
Periode 2006-2010.
Klant KKL Luzern.
Plaats van interventie Main concert hall with seating for between 1 840 and 1 898 — acoustically variable.
Adviesmissie Between 2006 and 2007, adjustments were made to optimise the acoustical settings of the hall both for the Lucerne Festival and for performances throughout the year. From 2008 to 2010, collaboration with KKL staff to develop an acoustic user manual detailing the settings for the concert hall. Review and refinement of the acoustical settings during visits and through discussions with KKL staff responsible for the day-to-day operation.
Geleverde diensten Between 2006 and 2007: responsible for making adjustments to the concert hall variable acoustics settings during and after rehearsals and concerts, including discussions with conductors, in order to optimise the acoustics for the number of musicians, repertoire and desired sound quality. The height of the canopy was optimised with two primary settings developed for chamber orchestra and symphonic orchestra uses. By varying the position of all 50 doors to the reverberation chamber between fully closed and fully open, the acoustical coupling between the chamber and the auditorium can be tuned, including changes of the door angle to adjust the acoustical projection from the stage to the audience.
From 2008 to 2010: discussions with KKL staff responsible for the concert hall, in order to monitor and further optimise the operation of the variable acoustics systems, including production of an acoustical user manual.
Adviseur(s) Eckhard Kahle, Kahle Acoustics. Eckhard Kahle was project manager, for Russell Johnson and Artec Consultants Inc, during the construction of the KKL in Lucerne, 1995 to 2000.
The concert hall in its 1 840-seat arrangement. To accommodate large ensembles, the stage can be extended towards the auditorium by partially removing the first two rows of seats. Foto © KKL Luzern
The concert hall seen from the rear stalls. In this setting the canopy is raised to provide a full view of the organ. The 50 doors to the reverberation chamber — which surrounds the stage and the upper auditorium — are either partially open. Foto © KKL Luzern
The over-stage sound-reflecting canopy. For the largest ensembles and when the organ is in use, the canopy can be raised to sit directly below the ceiling. For chamber music concerts or for events with smaller occupancy, the canopy can be set lower to create greater acoustical and visual intimacy. Foto © KKL Luzern
The concert hall in its 1 898-seat arrangement. Above the stage and on the sides of the third and fourth balconies, the doors of the reverberation chamber are either partially or fully open. Foto © KKL Luzern
The reverberation chamber surrounds the stage and the upper sides of the auditorium. By opening the doors to varying degrees, the reverberation time, sound level on stage and projection from the stage to the audience can be optimised. Foto © KKL Luzern
The reverberation chamber provides an additional 6 000 m³ of acoustical volume that can be coupled to the auditorium via 50 doors. Aside from adjusting the degree of door opening, the reverberation time in the chamber and in the hall can be adjusted with sound absorbing curtains. Foto © KKL Luzern
The KKL Luzern seen across Lake Luzern. Foto © KKL Luzern