PROJECT HISTORY
CELESTE BARTOS FORUM
New York Public Library
New York, New York

Architects: Davis Brody & Associates

The Celeste Bartos Forum is a majestic glass domed space created out of the original local lending branch within the New York Public Library. It provides the library with an elegant space for receptions, lectures and recitals. The Forum, designed by Carrere & Hastings, was hidden for many years within the main library and completed in 1911. In the meantime this 6,400 square foot room had been divided into a rabbit warren of back offices.




Since all of the finishes in this space were acoustically hard and sound reflective (glass dome and lay-lites, ornate cast iron columns and mullions, marble walls and tile floors) the space was not acoustically suited for its proposed use. OAA was asked by Davis Brody to determine the acoustic feasibility of the renovation and the acoustical measures required. Our study surprisingly indicated that corrective acoustical measures were not required on the 40 foot dome provided the proposed sound system did not direct sound at the dome. Large areas of sound absorbent material were required to control reverberation and the new air handling system must be quiet (NC-25).

OAA assisted by reviewing sound system proposals to assure directional control from the large movable loudspeakers. Methods were found to unobtrusively introduce the needed sound absorption in side aisle lay-lites, existing bookcases and carpet. The air handling system was analyzed and recommendations prepared for system noise control.