| Canada’s
National Library and Archives in Ottawa holds a vast
collection of Glenn Gould’s manuscripts, papers
and possesions. These, along with Gould’s famous
Steinway CD318, were presented as a gift to the
nation shortly after his death in 1982. In 1996, a plan was developped
to renovate an auditorium that had never worked for
music and, in so doing, provide a home for
Gould’s piano.
The renovation design
called for the plaster ceiling to be replaced with
acoustically transparent wire mesh , dramatically
increasing the effective height of the room. Curtains
on the side and back walls were installed to permit
adjustable acoustics. For concerts and recitals,
these curtains are withdrawn to reveal an acoustical
diffusion pattern fashioned out of fibre reinforced
gypsum. These diffusers, which have been
mathematically optimised, are a key element in our
renovation design.
The acoustics of this
intimate 386 seat venue have been greatly improved.
The room now services a wide range of events:
lectures, cinema and, of course, music.
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