DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
DG 1110.3.120
C H A P T E R 3: THE HOUSE
JANUARY 1981
S O U N D DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION
F I G U R E 3-5.8
Increased seating area can also have a psycho-
logical effect on performers confronted with frac-
tional attendance that seems even smaller rela-
tive to empty seats. There are several alternatives
to choose from in countering the results of larger
size.
Berry-patching, or horizontally offsetting sec-
tions of the audience area, answers the ques-
tions of aisle length and to some degree iden-
tifies smaller reference units for viewers, but
introduces cross-aisles.
A ledge may be incorporated, with or without a
cross aisle, vertically offsetting the house floor
and defining two places in the Room. Also, as-
signing seating priority to the lower section re-
duces apparent emptiness.
Finally, a balcony solution brings about three
places of different flavor. Each place provides a
strong visual frame of reference more intimate
than the total.
The ability to shutdown or darken the balcony
effectively removes it from the actors' estimate
of the house. The problem of aisle slopes ex-
ceeding maximum is removed; essentially, the
DIRECT AND REFLECTED SOUND
FIGURE 3-5.9
3-25
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