Minnesota State Capitol - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Noise Control & Measurement

Location:

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Client:

HGA Architects

General Contractor:

JE Dunn

Built in 1905, the historic Minnesota State Capitol received a $272 million restoration that was completed in 2017. ESI worked with HGA Architects and Engineers to evaluate room, acoustics, reduce HVAC noise and vibration, design interior wall assemblies for improved speech privacy, and perform room acoustic and sound transmission testing services.  One of the biggest challenges was to evaluate the existing acoustics in the House of Representatives, Senate and Supreme Court chambers, and develop recommendations for enhanced acoustics and speech intelligibility.

Read more about this project at the links below:

Video

Minnesota State Capitol Restoration Project

Star Tribune Article

Twin Cities Pioneer Press Article

HGA Architects and Engineers Project Profile

An important part of the acoustic ambiance in government buildings is a reverberant sound that conveys life, energy, and grandeur. The challenge is to balance this ambiance with speech intelligibility and sound isolation.

The team’s goal was to provide acoustical solutions that were sensitive to the historical environment while providing exceptional results.

Browse the project photo gallery below!