Jay Pritzker Pavilion Is a Treat for Eyes and Ears
When I first saw the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (which opened in 2004), all I could think was, 'What is that?!' This strange-looking band shell is the centerpiece of downtown's Millennium Park and is a work of acoustic-engineering genius .
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an acoustical and architectural masterpiece in the Loop (across from the Aon Center). Architect Frank Gehry applied his signature style to this one-of-a-kind outdoor concert venue. Known for his touch of curving metal, the roof of the 4,000-fixed-seat amphitheatre is formed by 679 interlocking strips of curling stainless steel. Just behind the fixed seats lies the 95,000-square-foot (8826 m2) Great Lawn, which can accommodate another 7,000 people.
Over the Great Lawn lies what is the most remarkable feature of the Pavilion. While it may look strange, the curved trellis features several lights and speakers that allow visitors to get the same great musical experience as if they were in an indoor concert hall. Each of the loudspeakers (of the LARES sound system) is strategically placed to deliver great sound to all 11,000 listeners.
There are two types of speakers throughout the overhead trellis. The reinforcement speakers deliver sound clearly and with proper volume. Because sound travels at a speed of approximately 1116 feet per second (340 m/sec), speakers that are farther away from the stage are purposely delayed, so that the music sounds like it is naturally coming from the stage. Acoustic enhancement speakers deliver sound from all directions, mimicking the effects of an indoor venue and blocking out any traffic noise from nearby Michigan Avenue.[1] Finally, because all of the speakers are distributed so evenly and effectively, they don't have to be turned up as loud as most other outdoor music venues, thereby not disturbing nearby residences and businesses.
The Pavilion, named after entrepreneur Jay Arthur Pritzker (who established the Pritzker Architecture Prize), hosts several free music events, including the Grant Park Music Festival and Gospel Music Festival. The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra also performs here throughout the summer.
The venue is one of the best ways to experience music outdoors in Chicago. People sitting the farthest away from the stage can get just as great of a sound as those near the front. Not to mention all the great architecture there is to see, including the downtown buildings and the Pavilion itself!
Photo credit: Grant Park Music Festival Internet Press Kit, Wikipedia
Jay Pritzker Pavilion: 205 E Randolph St; 312-742-7638
Street parking difficult; pay lots available in the area
Public trans: Bus # 3, 4, X4, 6, 26, 60, 143, 145, 147, 148, 151, 157
Orange/Pink/Green/Purple/Brown Line train (Randolph)
http://www.millenniumpark.org/
[1] The Jay Pritzker Pavillion (sic). (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2008, from http://www.lares-lexicon.com/millenium/millenium.html
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