Upon first visiting the bare site of the new Saudi Press Agency (Saudi Arabia), we knew that acoustics were
important and needed to be considered when constructing the interior space. The Saudi Press agency’s auditorium is a 25 meters diameter concrete sphere that required precise acoustic studies in order to deal with major reverberation and echo issues.
Along with the adequate acoustic consultants, a design was shaped base on an accurate simulation of reverberation times to calculate the percentage of absorption materials required, the reverberation diffusion areas, and defining the sweet spots of the amphitheatre through the appropriate software.
When the study was finalised, sustainable acoustic absorption and diffusing materials picked and approved, came the task of lighting the sphere in a versatile balanced manner than could accentuate the shape that resulted from the previous studies.
With accurate acoustic, lighting, and material simulations, Antoine Maalouf Architects, along with the appropriate consultants, managed to solve the issues the architectural volume was facing.
Through the use of dedicated software, technologically advanced sustainable materials and finishing, The Saudi Press agency’ s auditorium was successfully inaugurated with a functional innovative design. “Form follows function” was typically implemented for a project that desperately needed it. A design based on several studies to improve the use of a public space.
