Boston City Hall Council Chambers

In 2017, The Boston City Council Chambers began a renovation led by Finegold Alexander Architects to become universally accessible while also addressing technology and systems upgrades. Acentech provided acoustics and audiovisual consulting services for this historic renovation.

The existing Council Chambers were excessively reverberant which impeded speech intelligibility. Acentech collaborated with the architect to incorporate sound absorbing materials in the ceiling and walls, thereby improving speech intelligibility while also adding warmth and color to the concrete form. Acoustical recommendations included concealed spray insulation and custom drapery to line the perimeter walls in order to absorb reverberant sounds and allow for easy conversation and debate.

Acentech’s audiovisual consultants established goals for speech intelligibility, designed and specified a new digital discussion system, designed a new loudspeaker solution that seamlessly integrates into the space, and designed a graphical user interface to control the AV system. These audiovisual improvements, along with the acoustic treatments work together to ensure all speech is intelligible and accessible to all. With minimally invasive changes, the design team modernized a space that will continue to serve the needs of the people while embracing its historic past.