Question about Hilton

[Rhoadhoused]

I always read about how Hilton was built to keep sound in since it is solid concrete and everything which is very true. But if that was such a huge priority, why is the ceiling covered in what looks like wooden slats? That kind of thing seems like it would be inefficient for reflecting sound. Wouldn't it be better to have a flat solid covering over most of it, even if the slats are necessary for how Hilton is built?

For example, I have heard the Phog Allen Field house has a tin roof and it contributes to it being insanely loud.

*Disclaimer- I understand that the reason is probably something very simple that I overlooked or is common knowledge and I am about to look stupid.

 

[CYVADER]

I figured the slats were only there to help with sound. they don't have to be there, they are held up by steel piping....

 

[DeereClone]

Always wondered the same thing.

It seems like those would catch and absorb sound, but maybe I am wrong.

 

[BusterCherry]

Hilton has aged very well. great venue

 

[Rhoadhoused]

I figured the slats were only there to help with sound. they don't have to be there, they are held up by steel piping....

I'm confused as to how that would make it louder. As far as I know flat surfaces reflect sound and a surface with lots of long slits in it would trap a lot of the sound in between the boards and that sound would be lost and not reflected back to the crowd/court.

 

[Die4Cy]

It's a venue used for concerts, too. An echo chamber isn't always desired.

 

[jdoggivjc]

I'm confused as to how that would make it louder. As far as I know flat surfaces reflect sound and a surface with lots of long slits in it would trap a lot of the sound in between the boards and that sound would be lost and not reflected back to the crowd/court.

It's not necessarily true that flat surfaces create a louder sound. If those slats cause the sound waves to resonate, you will get a much louder sound with the slats than without, which is why I'm assuming they're there because something like that isn't there for no reason.

 

[CYVADER]

I'm confused as to how that would make it louder. As far as I know flat surfaces reflect sound and a surface with lots of long slits in it would trap a lot of the sound in between the boards and that sound would be lost and not reflected back to the crowd/court.

It's not necessarily true that flat surfaces create a louder sound. If those slats cause the sound waves to resonate, you will get a much louder sound with the slats than without, which is why I'm assuming they're there because something like that isn't there for no reason.

my thoughts as well, but I have no knowledge of acoustical engineering

 

[DeereClone]

It's a venue used for concerts, too. An echo chamber isn't always desired.

I think this is probably right.

I would rather say screw the 2-3 concerts a year they do in there and put tin everywhere, like a garage or machine shed! haha

 

[cstrunk]

It's a venue used for concerts, too. An echo chamber isn't always desired.

I think this is the answer.

 

[BBHMagic]

I sit way up by the ceiling and some of that wood doesn't look to healthy anymore. Hilton's just getting broken in!

 

[hexodat64]

Something to consider is not just material but the shape of a roof. Sound deflection is what can make things "louder". Remember that AFH has an angled roof so sound is redirected downward. The wood does this in a similar effect, as a flat roof would only help if you were yelling upward.

Also I've heard that some of the wood is actually part of the old flooring from when we played bball in the Armory. Does anyone else know if this is true?

 

[Cydwinder]

I'm confused as to how that would make it louder. As far as I know flat surfaces reflect sound and a surface with lots of long slits in it would trap a lot of the sound in between the boards and that sound would be lost and not reflected back to the crowd/court.

I would guess this has more to do with concerts at Hilton. With the wood up there it prevents the sounds form echoing completely and making the live music sound bad.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

One of my guesses was that sound echoing wouldn't be good for concerts, which were a bigger deal because Hilton used to have a ton every year. However, now that WFA gets all the big concerts, it seems like it would be to our benefit to not have the slats.

 

[MissouriCyclone]

I sit way up by the ceiling and some of that wood doesn't look to healthy anymore. Hilton's just getting broken in!

I agree. The ceiling looks a bit tacky with the missy panels. Would love to see them replace it with some new wood, but understand the cost.

 

[Knownothing]

They nees to start upgrading certain things at hilton. Like the concrete stairs at the emtrance and the wood ceiling looks terrible. I am always worried adding suites would take away from tue atmosphere though so I hope they don't do that

 

[Dryburn]

As an old tour guide of Hilton..........I can tell you what we told tours.

The building is designed for acoustics, as is C.Y. Stephens. In Hilton, the central part of the ceiling (with the mercury vapor lights) is made of cedar. In between the slatted parts of the ceiling, above the slats is a special insulation that reflects sound. The slats are merely there for decoration, and to support the insulation. The design is such that all sound is meant to be reflected directly back into the seating areas.

There are a series of plywood catwalks in the ceiling....mostly without railings that lead to the lights in the ceiling, the air handling units, the spot light bays, etc. Step off those narrow catwalks, and you can easily fall right through the insulation.

I have never seen this tested.....but supposedly, if there is a full crowd in Hilton, and all the inner doors are closed, no matter how loud the crowd is on the inside, the sound cannot be heard outside of the building, which is not true with most arenas.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

As an old tour guide of Hilton..........I can tell you what we told tours.

The building is designed for acoustics, as is C.Y. Stephens. In Hilton, the central part of the ceiling (with the mercury vapor lights) is made of cedar. In between the slatted parts of the ceiling, above the slats is a special insulation that reflects sound. The slats are merely there for decoration, and to support the insulation. The design is such that all sound is meant to be reflected directly back into the seating areas.

There are a series of plywood catwalks in the ceiling....mostly without railings that lead to the lights in the ceiling, the air handling units, the spot light bays, etc. Step off those narrow catwalks, and you can easily fall right through the insulation.

I have never seen this tested.....but supposedly, if there is a full crowd in Hilton, and all the inner doors are closed, no matter how loud the crowd is on the inside, the sound cannot be heard outside of the building, which is not true with most arenas.

That makes sense. Looks like exactly what I was looking for.

 

[KcClone01]

Hilton is used as a concert venue hence the wood slats to dissipate sound. It is a fine line for acoustic engineers. Fans want a loud environment where noise bounces, concert promoters want a ceiling that disappeared sound. Phong has a wood roof. Was there yesterday at the game (got dragged there not a ku fan) saw it up close sitting in the nose bleeds. For an example of the issue of noise in an arena look up the palace at auburn hills. One of the best arena concert venues. Terrible for basketball noise.

 

[ZapRowsdower]

I believe it is also because when they have concerts there they hang all the speakers and lights from the ceiling (referred to as "flying"). So there are cranks and lifts or supports for cranks and lifts in the ceiling to accommodate those events. They do this with the video board for basketball games.