Big Flats School Gymnasium / Auditorium

The recently completed Big Flats gymnasium/auditorium in Horseheads, New York presented typical challenges of multi-use spaces, particularly acoustics.

Gymnasiums often lack acoustic treatment suitable for stage performances. To compound the issue, without fixed seating there is less absorption to control reverberation which makes a room overly reverberant when not fully occupied.

Most gymnasiums are rectangular in shape and have sound echoing issues. To address this, a masonry diffusor block from RPG was installed opposite the loudspeakers to disperse sound waves and reduce echo.

Side wall acoustic panels were added to reduce reverberation when the room is not fully seated, or is being used as a gym, creating a pleasant-sounding gym and performance space. An acoustic roof deck was also installed to aid in reverberation control.

Lighting fixtures for the front of the stage were placed in protective cages. The SSRC light cage used is excellent for this purpose.

The loudspeakers were selected for their acoustic qualities and impact resistance.

The mixing console is kept in a rolling rack when not in use and can be run daily from an iPad. Lighting controls are also operated via touch screen or portable console.

In collaboration with Hunt Engineers, Architects & Surveyors, AVL Designs Inc. created a versatile space that meets the needs of Big Flats School.