WINN ROOM SUBCOMMITTEE STAFF REPORT
May 16, 2024 {{section.number}}{{item.number}}
WINN ROOM REMODEL ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report regarding the acoustical properties of Winn Room renovation options.
BACKGROUND:
On December 12, 2023, the City Council held a Special City Council meeting on the Winn Room Renovation Project. City staff provided concept plans and visual representations of four potential design solutions for the Library Winn Room which included general acoustic information from a study prepared by an acoustical consultant from the firm, Salas O’Brien. The study is provided as Attachment 1. After review, public comment, and discussion, the City Council requested additional information regarding the possible acoustic treatments available for each of the conceptual design options, including the acoustical properties of the JDSC Grand Room and the expenses associated with the removal of the room divider header.
This report addresses these queries in furtherance of the Winn Room Subcommittee’s Spring 2024 Workplan.
ANALYSIS:
The design goal as described by the City’s acoustical engineering consultant, Salas O’Brien, is to provide a well-controlled acoustical environment that would allow for good speech intelligibility and clarity for playback sources, including music, and at least a neutral acoustic environment.
For musical performances, the report emphasizes the importance of controlling the acoustic energy in the room using sound absorption materials to achieve a balance between preventing excessive reverberation (echoes) and avoiding an overly dry or dead acoustic environment.
The acoustical consultant ranked each of the four design solutions in descending order from best to least favorable as follows:
Option 4: Larger Expansion
Option 3: Internal Expansion
Option 2: Interior Upgrades and elevate ceiling
Option 1: Interior Upgrades
The ranking above reflects the inclusion of acoustical treatments to the walls and ceilings of each room concept. Attachment 2 summarizes the acoustics ranking of each option and details the recommended sound attenuation measures for the walls, ceiling and floors, from acoustic drapes and panels to sound insulation systems.
It is important to note that Options 1-4 and the JDSC room alternative contemplates small to intermediate sized musical groups. Given the core architecture of the Winn Room and Grand Room that will not be changed under any remodel Option, larger musical performances would not be acoustically suitable for these spaces.
3 8
8 6
FISCAL IMPACT:
A cost estimator, Barrie & Company, Inc., provided a preliminary construction budget in October 2023 for the acoustic enhancements that range from approximately $130,000 to $160,000 for Options 1 through 4 and the JDSC Grand Room. The estimates are based upon the information provided in the table in Attachment 2.
ALTERNATIVE:
The Subcommittee may request additional research.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Projection Screen and Acoustics Evaluation by Salas O’Brien dated November 20, 2023
2. Acoustics Summary Table
Submitted By: Public Services and Engineering Department / Jackie Lu