ACOUSTICS
INSIDE VIEW
Carefully designed by John Wardle Architects, the architecture
of the Ian Potter Southbank Centre aims to reveal the behindthe
scenes activity that audiences do not often see.
Large circular windows, including a 6m (19.7ft)-diameter
oculus in the Kenneth Myer Auditorium, offer glimpses into the
inner workings of building and campus, connecting the public
with the Conservatorium.
The working interior is also designed to support the daily life
of the Conservatorium, and to be robust and informal.
126 AUDITORIA 2019 VOLUME ONE
a crucial part of the artistic milieu of the wider
campus and precinct.
“Musicians thrive in environments that enable
them to dream large and reach for the sky,” says
Prof. Gary McPherson, Ormond chair of music
and director, Melbourne Conservatorium of
Music. “But the most important element in their
development is a rehearsal and performance
environment that lets them hear themselves
and those across the ensemble. Great musicmaking
flourishes when the acoustics enable
the musicians to hear, project and balance their
sound. What we have in all of the rooms in our
new Conservatorium building are world-class
acoustics that will serve our profession for many
generations to come.” n
www.marshallday.com
within the acoustic and architectural ceiling
to minimize their visual impact on the space.
Finally, Prudence Myer Studio is a flexible
flat-floor performance and rehearsal venue,
accommodating up to 135 people. This space is
intended for performance classes and workshops,
ensemble classes and academic teaching, exams,
recitals and small concerts. To accommodate
many performance and experimental works,
from unamplified acoustic works through to
multi-electronic pieces, the space is completely
flexible, with a pipe grid installed for mounting
lights, speakers and other items such as drapes
or screens. Multiple signal connection points
have been installed at floor and grid level.
Teaching and tutorial spaces
The 12 tutorial rooms are designed to enable
12-20 musicians to rehearse together. There are
also small practice and rehearsal studios catering
for up to three musicians. The larger-thanstandard
room height reduces sound intensity,
providing students and teachers with a safer
learning environment.
Overall, the Ian Potter Southbank Centre aims
to balance the singular concentration required
of students with the camaraderie of engaging
with others. The building provides a place to rub
shoulders with fellow music students, and forms
Above: The Kenneth Myer
Auditorium has retractable
seating and many connection
plates to enable a variety
of configurations
Below: The Prudence Myer
Studio has a pipe grid to
enable flexible use
Photos: Trevor Mein
/www.marshallday.com