Electronic music center

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Authors
McEowen, David C.
Advisor
Laseau, Paul, 1937-
Issue Date
1978
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B. Arch.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Electronic music is any music that uses electronically generated sound or sound modified by electronic means, sometimes accompanied by live voice or musical instruments, performed live or delivered through speakers. In the past 20 years the field of electronic music has established itself at the forefront of contemporary music. It has been explored by serious classical composers and at the same time, the techniques and equipment of electronic music have been exploited by musicians of all types of music, from pop to rock to jazz. With the development of this field into one of the major areas of modern music, the inclusion of electronic music theory into the music school curriculum has become essential.For my thesis project I have elected to design an Electronic Music Center for Ball State University. The center has as its purpose the composition, research, and performance of electronic music and provides facilities for bio-medical/musical and acoustical research. The building program calls for a 55,000 square foot facility consisting of a 500 seat acoustically adjustable auditorium, six specialized recording studios, classroom spaces, a music library, and faculty/administrative offices.A critical issue in the development of the design of this facility was the critical acoustical requirements of the auditorium and studio spaces. Both control of sound inside the space and isolation of that space from exterior noise were significant design constraints. A second issue affecting the design of the facility was that of the kind of image that a building of such unique functions should project. The development of the appropriate building image as expressed in formal vocabulary, materials, colors, and juxtaposition of building elements was a major design issue throughout the project.This thesis project then has presented me with a challenging array of problems with which to deal. In addition to the traditional architectural concerns of programming, site analysis, schematic design, and design development, the technical problems of acoustical control and the philosophic aspect of the appropriate imagery have given this thesis project an added depth and excitement. The project has been, I feel, a valid excerise in developing my skills as a designer.