Dulwich Picture Gallery
Established as England’s first ever public picture gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a unique and architecturally intriguing venue.
Introduction
The events team have been holding events for years, predominantly within the gallery itself however occasionally the need for larger parties to be held within the grounds of the venue arises.
Historically a few events have seen noise complaints occur, understandably considering neighbouring properties are just 83 metres away. This proved an issue for one particular couple who needed to obtain a TENS licence from Southwark Council. As is becoming often with granting TENS applications, Dulwich Picture Gallery needed to prove noise emissions could be controlled to meet relevant criteria and ensure complaints would not occur.
Challenge
A wedding party needed unrestricted volume limits but with houses only 83m’s away any typical setup wouldn’t be able to offer the control to get permission
Solution
Zone Array directional speakers and a combination of MAL16/MAL22 acoustic linings.
Results
Dancefloor levels of 98dB were achieved while the boundary readings did not exceed 43dB
Plan
Direct Acoustics compiled a site specific acoustic mitigation design, incorporating the bride and grooms need for an 8 piece jazz band, 1am finish and uncompromised dancefloor volume levels.
After a night of ambient data gathering for Richard, a venue specific noise management plan and regular mediation, Southwark Council approved the TENS application in the knowledge that our heavyweight 22dB acoustic lining and Zone Array speaker system will be used to full effect to create a soundproof marquee dance tent
Within the incredibly tight timeline we installed a 80 panel Zone Array above the dancefloor and fitted the marquee facing the nearby residents with our Acoustic Linings.
During the event we had a acoustic engineer taking measurements, relaying this information to a sound engineer in the marquee who could control the overall volume and specific frequencies.
Results
The combination of the high directionality of the Zone Array with the acoustic absorption of the lining meant we were able to provide 98dB on the dancefloor while at the boundary maintaining only 43dB even while a 8 piece jazz band played! The client was ecstatic at how well the night went and the gallery very pleased with the results and lack of any complaints.