An Examination of Two Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Room Concepts

Large auditoriums and cultural centres require dedicated rehearsal rooms-particularly for resident orchestras-to keep the main halls available for other uses between concerts. However, orchestras often resist using these spaces, favouring the acoustic qualities of the main halls. This study explores whether this preference is acoustically justified, focusing on the smaller cubic volume of rehearsal rooms and whether it poses risks to musicians' auditory health or limits the rooms' capacity to meet the specific acoustic needs of orchestras. The introduction of ISO-23591 in 2021 provided standardised guidelines for the design of symphonic rehearsal rooms. Nevertheless, fully accommodating the varied acoustic requirements of all orchestral sections remains complex, often involving compromises in acoustic characteristics. This research analyses two contrasting design models through case studies and acoustic simulations, offering examples of how to balance acoustic demands with the spatial limitations of rehearsal rooms. The findings highlight the importance of prioritising specific acoustic parameters to enhance performance and reconcile musicians' needs with the physical constraints of these spaces.