Chapel Of Sound By OPEN Architecture
There’s no doubt that architecture plays a much larger role than we believe when it comes to acoustic, dynamic, and discernable soundscapes — especially when it comes to dwellings that are built for the purpose of performance and passion. OPEN Architecture’s Chapel Of Sound, a proposed concert hall along the northern border of Beijing, provides denizens with both an audible (and visual) introduction to a number of immersive artforms.
Constructed as a tangential space that will seamlessly mesh with the surrounding ecosystem, the Chapel of Sound utilizes a mixture of organically obtained, mineral-rich rocks and concrete, alongside a truly unique, inverted layout that replicates the resonant recesses of wooden instruments, sea-borne shells, and the human ear. A hollow interior plays host to an amphitheater-like layout, allowing individuals to sit, admire, and relax among waves of sound. Through extensive software simulation, the hall has been optimized for impeccable sound quality and preservation, utilizing a cavernous semblance and various apertures that reduce reverberation and isolate sound. A large skylight provides ample illumination of the space, dressing the walls and floor of the inverted chapel in contrasting shadows. From the dwelling’s numerous windows, panoramic views of the surrounding mountainside, ravine, and lush foliage provide listeners with an intricately conceptualized escape.
