Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Amsterdam

Various audience configurations and adjustable acoustics

The large auditorium in the Muziekgebouw aan het IJ is unique for its unusual acoustics and its flexibility. The variety of concerts and musical theatre performances held here demand a variety of audience configurations. Thanks to 8 moveable floor elements, the auditorium can be configured in various ways. The side panels next to the stage can be moved and the rear panel can be winched up. That allows the venue to optimise the experience of different types of music, from intimate chamber music to large symphony orchestras. The Muziekgebouw has an acoustic ceiling that can move up and down. This allows for variable acoustic effects, delivering reverberations of 1.5 to 3.5 seconds.

Project

Client Port of Amsterdam
Architect 3xNielsen, ABT Bouwkunde
Project
New-build multifunctional concert auditorium with seating capacity of 725, standing capacity of 1,500, and a small auditorium seating 250
Date of completion 2005

Scope of work Theateradvies®

Consultancy
Logistics, auditorium design, theatre seating, audience facilities, M&E installations.

Design
Automated stage rigging systems, moveable ceiling, floor, rear panel and side panels. Design of lighting bridges, AV installation, stage lighting installation and stage furnishings.

Tendering
Detailed plans and European tendering for technical theatre rigging and lifting systems, AV installations, stage lighting installations and furnishing.

Execution
On-site supervision, planning and budget control.

Innovations
Adjustable acoustics, moveable floor.