Grand Rapids Community College

Project Description

The redesign of Secchia Piazza was created by architect Ned Baxter of Progressive AE and was built by Granger Construction. Secchia Piazza has been renovated to create an iconic 31-foot-wide and 15-foot-tall “skycone”, which has become a landmark of the Grand Rapids skyline.

The “skycone’s” unique shape and materials required an acoustic engineering solution to minimize sound reflections. The Acoustic Consultant, ABD Engineering, specified DeAmp Translucent Sound Absorbers to be installed in the “skycone” to address this challenge.

Scope of Work

• The 40 custom trapagon-shaped panels were designed to ensure that the sound-absorbing micro-slits pattern of the DeAmp panels matched the geometry of the “skycone”. 
• Custom resilient mounts were designed and supplied to address the unique challenges of the “skycone”.
• The panels were UV ink printed to accurately match the seven colours of the Secchia Piazza’s glazing.

To assist with a layman’s understanding of the acoustic environment, we chose to have a “balloon pop” demonstration performed before and after the acoustic treatment installation.

We understand that a “balloon pop” is not a standard acoustic method of testing. However, everyone has a memory of what a balloon pop sounds like in some environment.

By listening to the balloon pop comparisons, anyone can hear the acoustic environment before and after installation.

When listening to the video, please ensure your volume is turned up, or use headphones.