Evergreen Centre Performing Arts
The Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam, British Columbia includes a 250 studio theatre and museum space. The studio theatre is used as a multi-purpose space, anything from bingo to classical concerts and, of course, theatre.
The interior finish of the performance space is sealed, grout filled split face block. The block provides good acoustic diffusion, maintains acoustic warmth and controls noise intrusion. Architect Thom Weeks used the block as a neutral palate to which the colourful balconies were applied.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) services are provided by roof top units strategely located above the less acoustically sensitive loading dock and storage rooms. Ducts are exposed in the auditorium. As such they provide good acoustic diffusion. Acoustical curtains line the side walls all the way up to the technical level. Curtains are also used to form the stage portal. The building opened in October 1996 and has been widely praised by performers and patrons alike.
On opening night Jon Washburn, the conductor of the Vancouver Chamber Choir interrupted the proceedings several times to comment on the acoustics:
