Fabric roof membrane shape promotes good acoustics for bandshell

FTL Design Engineering Studio | New York, N.Y., United States

This temporary bandshell is used for free performances in the neighborhood town square. A series of custom aluminum trusses support a fabric roof membrane, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the architectural structures category of the 2007 International Achievement Awards, and can be installed with a series of custom self-lifting winches. In seven pieces, the shell can be moved by a local crew, bolted together and lifted into place. It uses built-in foundations to minimize the ground support, and its hyperbolic shape promotes good acoustics: the front reflects woodwinds and strings, and sides afford ample onstage hearing for performers. The trusses were designed to carry theatrical lights, as well as support the roof membrane. The client was extremely satisfied as the bandshell created a focus for the town center.