PROJECT HISTORY
CRADLE OF AVIATION MUSEUM AND GRUMMAN OMNIMAX THEATER
Mitchell Field, Hempstead, Long Island, NY

Architects: Edward Durell Stone Associates, and Wiedersum Associates

An open multi-story building is to be built adjacent to two existing World War I hangars. The new building will contain a domed, state-of-the-art OMNIMAX TM motion picture theater, as well as gift shop, food service, and office areas adjacent to a central, multi-level circulation/exhibition space. The hangars will be renovated to match their original exterior appearance while the interiors will provide modern exhibition space.

In the OMNIMAX theater, extraordinary sound control is essential for the audience to appreciate and enjoy the wide dynamic range of the theater's digital sound track. OAA is analyzing acoustical features of the air conditioning system to identify noise and vibration control measures needed to ensure quiet.

Equally important is that overhead aircraft and nearby street traffic noise not be heard in the theater, especially during the quietest parts of the OMNIMAX program. OAA measured on-site sound levels for 24 hours to quantify the theater's noise exposure. Candidate wall and roof constructions are being recommended by OAA to provide the optimum degree of isolation.

OAA is helping to specify finishes throughout the complex to assure acoustically comfortable spaces. In the theater, an especially thick layer of sound absorption is planned behind the perforated dome to eliminate sound reflections that would otherwise detract from the multi- channel stereo effect of OMNIMAX presentations.

OAA was selected for the project because of the firm's familiarity with OMNIMAX theater technology, experience in solving problems in sound isolation and mechanical noise, and prior performance with this client.