Seminar Presentation - Acoustic Design of Canadian Performing Arts Centres with John O'Keefe

This talk tells the story of how many of Canada’s favourite venues were designed and built.  Presented by acoustician John O’Keefe, there are many tales to tell.  Some of which – though not all – might involve acoustics!  The modern understanding of natural acoustics can and has liberated the design of performing arts venues.  From the basic understandings of how we perceive sound in a room, ideas developed in the mid to late 20th century, all the way to current machine learning design tools, acoustical design plays a crucial role in the shape and function of a theatre or concert hall.  This session will review how these tools and ideas have shaped disparate venues built across the country over the past 30 years.  Sample discussion venues include: Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton), Medicine Hat Arts and Heritage Centre, Pyatt Hall (Vancouver), Princess of Wales Theatre (Toronto), the Queen Elizabeth Theatre renovation (Vancouver) and others.
- The attendees will learn a bit of the history of Canada’s recent theatres.  They will also gain a broader appreciation of the modern understanding of natural acoustics and the history of how that understanding has informed the design numerous Canadian venues.

Bio: Throughout his 35 year career, John O’Keefe has channeled his passion for music, science and technology into the performing arts.  John is a Professor of Acoustics at the University of Toronto and has presented papers and lectures throughout the world.  Among several awards he includes the Schreyer Award, the country’s highest distinction for engineering of any form.