
The hall has included two main assembly spaces since it was first constructed as Colston Hall in 1867-73. Owing to fires and changes in programming priorities, there have been three other versions of the main hall interior within the original masonry structure since then – 1899, 1936 and the 1951 hall known to many of us. The 2023 hall inserted into the historic shell added a second balcony and interior geometry that is influenced by 21st century concepts of acoustic design, operations and performance.
The choice of a transformed 156-year-old hall as our venue is intended to attract papers on the refurbishment and acoustical history of other halls and opera houses and the integration of 21st century presentation equipment, whether it be active electroacoustics systems or visual screens and lighting and how to balance the demands of different styles of concert.
Are these elements shaping typologies beyond the shoebox and vineyard halls?
We welcome you to submit papers on these topics as well as related submissions on the subjects of auditorium design and room acoustics.
Call for Papers Deadline: 3 February 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 3 March 2025
Full Papers submitted by: 18 July 2025
Please send your 200 word abstract by email to sheema.ali@ioa.org.uk by 3 February 2025 and indicate if it is for an oral or poster presentation.
Organising Committee:
Raf Orlowski (Chair), Evan Green, Anne Minors
On Foot
Bristol Beacon is situated just off the city centre promenade. We are 1km from the Broadmead shopping area situated behind Beacon Tower.
By Bicycle/ E Scooter
Bicycle racks are available on Trenchard street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. You can plan your cycle route using Cycle Planner.
TIER e-scooters and e-bikes are available for hop-on hop-off short term rental across Bristol. There are designated e-scooter parking areas on the city centre promenade. Please check the TIER app for the latest information.
By Bus and Coach
The city centre bus stop is 250m from Bristol Beacon where most bus services stop.
Bristol Bus and Coach Station is 800m from Bristol Beacon and is where National Express coaches stop. The Megabus and Flix Bus stops are located nearby on Bond Street.
By Car
Via M5: Exit junction 18, follow A4 (Portway) to the centre. Follow signs for the city centre.
Via M4: Exit junction 19 (M32). Follow signs to Clifton. For dropping-off / picking-up turn into Colston Street, which is the first left after the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI).
There are currently temporary traffic lights on Colston Street and upper Trenchard Street is closed.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Car Parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 50m away directly behind Bristol Beacon.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations are payable in full. In most cases it will be possible to transfer your registration to another person. If you book to attend in person and switch to online you will not be eligible for a refund.
IOA EARLY CAREER GROUP
This rate applies to any member who is 35 or under, or in the first 5 years of their careers.
CATERING – DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The registration form allows you to choose Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free diets, if you have any other requirements please email sheema.ali@ioa.org.uk
ACCESSIBILITY: The IOA are committed to accessibility, please outline your needs so that we can support you. please email sheema.ali@ioa.org.uk
HEARING ASSISTANCE: please email sheema.ali@ioa.org.uk for information
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: please email sheema.ali@ioa.org.uk for information
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO: Please note that photographs and/or video may be used for Institute of Acoustics publicity/marketing.
SPEAKERS: please note that some presentations may be recorded and placed on the IOA website
COPYRIGHT. Papers that have been published in the IOA proceedings may be used by the authors for secondary purposes and published elsewhere. The source of the article has to be acknowledged and a link - if available, to the DOI of the article.
DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions expressed on any matters by the presenters or participants during or in connection with this presentation are solely the views of the authors of the respective comments and/or opinions and must not be taken to be the views of IOA or any other organisation. IOA makes no representations, warranties or assurances concerning any information provided in these presentations and accepts no responsibility for the content and/or accuracy.