Republic of the Philippines

Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus

Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

Midterm Requirement in
Building Utilities 3 – Acoustics and Lighting Systems
Second Semester AY 2023 – 2024

ACOUSTICAL ANALYSIS

Prepared by:

Borres, Roselle F.
BSAR- 3A

Submitted to:

Ar. AYESHA AMIE G. DE LEON, uap, afa

Subject Instructor
Republic of the Philippines
Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus
Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project Title:
Acoustic Analysis of Iconic Entertainment Venues in the Philippines

Objective:
The objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive acoustic analysis of famous cinemas, theaters,
amphitheaters, and similar entertainment venues in the Philippines, focusing on the materials used and
spatial planning strategies employed to achieve optimal sound quality.

Instructions: (Provide detailed analysis with images to support your answers)

Venue Selection: Choose an iconic entertainment venue in the Philippines known for its exceptional
acoustics. Examples may include the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater, the Newport
Performing Arts Theater, or the Kia Theatre. Consider accessibility, historical significance, and availability of
relevant information.

Historical Context: Provide background information about the selected venue, including its architectural
significance, construction timeline, and historical context within the Filipino entertainment landscape.

Architectural Features: Describe the architectural design and spatial layout of the venue, including seating
arrangement, stage configuration, ceiling height, and overall geometry. How do these features contribute to
the venue's acoustics?

Materials Analysis: Investigate the materials used in the construction of the venue, including the building
envelope, interior finishes, seating, and stage elements. Identify the acoustic properties of these materials
and how they contribute to sound absorption, reflection, diffusion, and insulation.

Spatial Planning: Analyze the spatial planning strategies employed to optimize sound propagation and
audience experience within the venue. How are sightlines, seating arrangements, and stage positioning
designed to enhance acoustical performance?

Acoustic Treatment: Evaluate the presence of acoustic treatments such as wall panels, ceiling baffles, and
sound-absorbing curtains within the venue. How do these treatments mitigate acoustic issues such as
reverberation, standing waves, and echoes?

Historical Performances: Research notable performances or events that have taken place in the venue and
analyze their acoustical impact. How has the venue accommodated a diverse range of performances, from
orchestral concerts to theatrical productions?

Recommendations for Improvement: Based on your analysis, provide recommendations for potential
improvements or modifications to further enhance the venue's acoustical performance. Consider factors such
as retrofitting options, material upgrades, or design adjustments.
Republic of the Philippines
Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus
Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project Title:
Acoustic Analysis of Iconic Entertainment Venues in the Philippines

Venue: Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater

Historical Context:
The Theater of Performing Arts, originally known as the Tanghalang Pambansa (English:
National Theater), is a theater situated in Manila, Philippines' Cultural Center of the Philippines
Complex.

It houses the main offices and is the centerpiece of the Philippine Cultural Center. Leandro
Locsin, a national artist for architecture, drew inspiration for his design from the unbuilt
Philippine-American Friendship Center and built upon it. The Tanghalan is a prime example of
the architect's distinctive floating volume design, which is present in Philippine native buildings
like nipa huts. Three performance spaces, a movie theater, galleries, a museum, the center's
library, and archives are all housed there. Given that it is the creation of a National Artist, the
brutalist architecture qualifies should be recognized as a significant cultural landmark by
Republic Act No. 10066. In 1966, work on the project commenced, with the Filipino company
DM Consunji serving as the builder and Alfredo Juinio as the structural engineer. When it was
finished and opened in 1969, it was known as the Theater of Performing Arts. It underwent its
first significant restoration in 2005 for the Inter-Parliamentary Union's 112th General Assembly,
which was held in Manila. The renovation included new carpets, a new air conditioning system,
and the cleaning and replacement of the marble trim.

Architectural features:

The main feature of the Tanghalang Pambansa façade is a two-story travertine block that is
supported on three sides by deep concave cantilevers, giving it a height of 12 meters (39 feet).
Crushed seashells that were originally discovered on the reclamation site were used to texture the
concrete that covered the rest of the building.[3][4] The building is situated on a large platform,
and entry is via a car ramp in front of the raised lobby and a pedestrian side door on its northwest
side. There is an octagonal reflecting pool with fountains and underwater lights in front of the
façade and beneath the ramp.
Republic of the Philippines
Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus
Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The largest performance space within the Tanghalang Pambansa is the Main Theater, also known
as the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. With the orchestra, boxes, and two balconies spread across
four floors, it can hold up to 1,815 people. The stage is located 38.8 meters (127 feet) from the
left wall to the right and 25 meters (82 feet) from the main curtain line to the back wall. The
proscenium entrance is 18 meters (59 feet) wide and 9 meters (30 feet) high. Two elevators in an
orchestra pit that is 5.6 meters (18 feet 4 inches) deep may hold up to 62 musicians. The main
stage curtain is modeled after the picture Genesis, while the stage floor is composed of a type of
Philippine Mahogany that was unwaxed and painted matte-black (originally not stained). This
features contribute to the Elimination of ambient noise, symmetrical audience placement around
the stage, geometric relationships between the theater's many sections, augmentation of direct
sound through positive sound reflections, and suppression of delayed sound reflections or
reverberation are all examples of effective theater design.

Material Analysis:
A creation by Hernando Ocampo, a national artist. A variable acoustics designed by Bolt,
Beranek, and Newman, The main theater was planned for flexibility. It can usually hold opera
and orchestra performances without the need for additional amplification because it was
designed to accommodate the sound requirements of different kinds of presentations. In his
review of the center's opening night, New York Times critic Howard Taubman praised the
theater's acoustical flexibility, noting that the architect and his team appeared to have created a
space "that will be equally congenial for drama, instrumental and vocal music and dance."
Acoustical shells are easily assembled for orchestral and choral performances. A split floor
orchestra lift forms an integral part of the apron when it is raised to stage level. A brilliant
tapestry curtain patterned after the “Genesis” painting of National Artist Hernando R. Ocampo,
is among the highlights of the venue. The stage floor is made of Philippine Mahogany wood.
The theatre was named after Nicanor Abelardo, the Father of Philippine Sonata.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabrics and galvanized steel framing are the primary materials used for
constructing a WeatherPort structure for convention centers or exhibit halls. It can also
manufacture structures with aluminum framing for more lightweight and/or temporary building
solutions.
Spatial Planning:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in Quezon City serves as an excellent example of a
modern take on indigenous architecture. Leandro V. Locsin, a well-known Filipino architect,
created the Cultural Center, which is a recognized representation of Filipino identity and creative
expression. The center's architecture, which was influenced by the traditional bahay kubo (nipa
hut), consists of a network of connected buildings with strikingly sloped roofs and outdoor areas.
Locsin created a room that honors the past and the present by deftly fusing modernist ideas with
native components.
Republic of the Philippines
Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus
Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Since everyone in the audience is comfortable, the seating arrangement is good and well-
positioned. Because it is made to meet the acoustic needs of various presentation types, they can
also hear sounds very well and clearly, free of echoes and other noises.

The audience and performers' attention and energy exchange is meant to be supported and
enhanced by the theater's design. Here, ADS uses ornamental accents that are reminiscent of
modernist geometric shapes and patterns, with decorations that draw inspiration from native
Filipino materials, textiles, and elements. The proscenium arch, bookended by brass coconut
tree-shaped columns, was upgraded and modified as follows: the apron is embellished with
backlit gold gilded plaster leaves; the walls are ornamented with backlit local wooden shields.
The pattern is given depth and intricacy by geometric elements in gold and beige, which were
meant to extend around and through the center of the piece.

Acoustic Treatment:

The main goal of acoustic treatment is to create a neutral and accurate listening environment that
is free of distortions, ringing, flutter echoes, and coloration. By absorbing sound waves and
turning them into heat, absorbent materials help minimize the quantity of sound that reverberates
across a space. By doing this, undesirable noises like echoes and reverberation can be reduced.
Mineral wool, fiberglass panels, and acoustic foam are examples of common absorptive
materials.

But in this theater they didn’t use a lot of additional amplifications for acoustic treatment, They
just used a good exterior and interior material for soundproofing.

Historical Performances:

-The main theater lobby features in Eraserheads' music video for their 1997 single, "Spoliarium".
Various venues inside the theater were featured in Itchyworms' music video for their song, "Di
Na Muli". The video was shot as a tribute to lighting designer Teodoro Hilado, who served as
technical director of the CCP from 1969 to 1973.

-The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Handel's "Messiah," featuring the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra and the award-winning Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Republic of the Philippines
Don Honorio Ventura State University - Candaba Campus
Pasig, Candaba Pampanga, 2013
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

-Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Flutist Hercules Santiago, Friday, September 15.

-Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Cellist Olan Guerrero, October 13.

- The CCP 46th Anniversary Gala: Serenata, September 4, 2015.

It is evident that they clearly accommodate the performances so that the audience feels safe and
at ease while they observe. There are no disturbances or echoes in the theater, and the sound is
clear and reassuring.

Recommendation for improvement:

- Acoustic Panels: You can successfully reduce sound reflections while enhancing the aesthetics
of your area by strategically placing acoustic panels on the walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.
– Acoustic Sealing: You can stop sound from leaking between places by sealing all possible air
gaps, such as doors, windows, and wall or floor junctions, with high-quality acoustic sealants.
- Diffusers: By dispersing sound waves, diffusers reduce direct reflections and smooth out the
dispersion of sound. Diffusers can help reduce echo and maximize audio quality in your venue's
interior design.