The David Geffen Theater and Ted Mann Theater were designed for high-quality cinematic sound distribution through multi-speaker systems and custom acoustic treatments. The Geffen Theater includes approximately 40 speakers and the Ted Mann Theater approximately 30, each supporting detailed cinema audio. Both theaters feature Dolby Atmos systems developed in direct collaboration with Dolby’s engineering team in Los Angeles, making them showcase installations for spatial cinema sound.
Sound isolation was a major part of the theater design. The Geffen Theater sits directly below the rooftop event space, and the acoustic separation strategy helps preserve the focus and detail of film presentation even during simultaneous events above. We also addressed mechanical system noise control so quiet cinematic moments could remain at NC-15 levels — conditions that allow the full dynamic range of film sound to be experienced.
The project’s inclusive audio design brought added nuance to the visitor experience. Induction loop systems were designed to transmit sound directly to T-coil hearing aids in theaters, public spaces, ticketing and information booths, and exhibit areas. In more complex cinematic exhibits, we developed strategies that could translate layered sound environments for T-coil users, including installations with multiple speakers, location-specific directed audio, and ambient sound beds. For installations such as Behold and the sound bath featuring composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, the team developed custom mixes specifically for transmission through the induction loop system.
The Academy Museum is a layered sound environment because its mission depends on cinematic presentation, exhibit storytelling, public programming, and access. Our work gave the museum the acoustic precision, isolation, AV capability, and inclusive audio design required for an institution devoted to motion pictures.
