Anneliese Brost Musikforum Ruhr, Bochum, Germany

Object Type
Concert Halls
Sacred Buildings

Client
Stadt Bochum

Architects
Bez + Kock Architekten, Stuttgart

Completion
2016

Expertises
Thermal Insulation & Energy Performance Calculation
Building Acoustics
Sound Isolation
Room Acoustics
Audiovisual System Design

Almost 100 years after its formation, the Bochum Symphony Orchestra finally received its own venue end of 2016: the new Musikforum. Moreover, the building complex also provides new space for creativity for the Bochum Music School and for independent groups of artists.

In order to meet the required very high acoustic standard for the large hall, the geometry and mate-rials including the seating were optimized in close collaboration with all planning parties involved. One part of the acoustically indispensable volume for large symphony orchestras is located in the area of the roof structure above the acoustically transparent ceiling. Due to the building‘s design with a foyer surrounding the auditorium, no costly structural measures had to be taken for protecting it against the intense external noise.

In the former church, the acoustically effective ceiling ensures that there are no disturbing noise levels during foyer usage and that it can also be used quite flexibly as a performance venue. Thanks to its acoustically optimized wall claddings and the variable acoustics, the small rectangular hall, too, has proven ideal for various types of events including chamber music concerts.

Image Copyright
1 Brigida Gonzàlez
2 MBBM-BSO
3 Bez+Kock Architekten
4 MBBM-BSO