Frank Moody Music Building - University of Alabama
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Masonry Houses Music Complex
All
masonry: The Frank Moody Music Building at the University of
Alabama in Tuscaloosa is built to reflect the Neoclassical style
of the existing campus buildings. Like the older buildings, the
music center is built with masonry throughout.
The exterior walls are constructed with red brick and Type
N masonry cement mortar. The inside walls are made from concrete
block and Type S masonry cement mortar. Neither accelerators nor
retarders were used in the mortar.
Special conditions: Sound-resistant walls were a major design
feature of the music center. The requirement meant that spaces had
to be separated from one another to prevent sound transmission.
Masonry construction provides the mass to assure proper acoustical
isolation.
Frequent isolation joints were needed (sometimes they were control
joints) to separate one space from another, a technique that added
considerable labor and time to the project costs. Single wythe walls
were used in most parts of the building, except where sound transmission
requirements demanded double wythe walls to separate major spaces
like the main concert hall and lobby from the practice areas of
the building.
Success: The uncommon complex manages to skillfully envelop
a 960-seat symphony hall, a choral/opera hall, an intimate 150-seat
recital hall, and a rehearsal room for instrumental music; as well
as lecture rooms, faculty offices and 50 practice rooms. A very
satisfactory architectural feat using masonry-a most satisfactory
medium.
Architects:
Woollen, Molzan and Partners, Indianapolis, IN
Fitts and White, Tuscaloosa, AL
Masonry Contractor: Sparks Construction Inc
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