City Theater – TNT

Tisseyre + Associés has 40 years of experience in the acoustics of performance halls, its core business originally. 30 years ago, anticipating the digital revolution and 3D visualization, we developed a tool for 3D models of performance halls: Hall Acoustics^®. Instead of using the sound ray shooting technique which does not take into account the architectural details, we use the finite element mesh technique which allows these details to be modeled with finesse in order to fully integrate them into the acoustic performance. of the room from its conception. Based on the observation that the acoustics of a performance hall are structuring for its architecture, we have developed a joint working methodology with the architect.

City center theater integration mission

The location of the theater in the heart of Toulouse imposed sound and integration constraints on this project. First of all, so that the noise from outdoor activities does not disturb the performances and vice versa, we have mastered the performance of the acoustic envelope to guarantee real sound separation. In addition, in order to meet the requirements of integration of the building into the town planning, the technical ventilation rooms have been placed on the room, a particular configuration as it poses acoustic constraints. Nevertheless, thanks to our digital room model tool: Hall Acoustics^® we were able to control the sound emissions.

Tailor-made acoustic solutions

We work with the architect on the choice of shapes and materials used in order to optimize the reverberations so that they contribute to the acoustic performance of the room, which can be summarized as:

• Sound strength, clarity and definition. The sound should be loud, clear and precise.
• The sound envelopment of all spectators. The people in the room feel like they are part of the show: the sound envelops them.

The integration of acoustic performance in the performance hall has led us to offer tailor-made solutions for the Théâtre de la Cité. In particular, we designed, jointly with the architect, Alain Sarfati, the acoustic panels in speckled blue wood. Their materials, shapes and support frameworks have been studied and sized to meet the stiffness and sound diffusion needs of each element. This made it possible to control that the reflections of the sound waves are redirected in the precise directions and thus contribute to the optimal acoustic response of the room.

Scientific publications

• TISSEYRE, A. MOULINIER, “The Hall Acoustics computer model and its application to the acoustic design of a theater and an assembly hall” – Building Acoustics volume 6 n° 2 – 1999
• TISSEYRE, A. MOULINIER, “An application of the Hall Acoustics computer model”. Applied Acoustics China Vol 18 No. 3, pp 33-38 1999