Acoustical Panels for Architectural Acoustics
Trois-Rivières set out to redefine its identity, evolving from its industrial roots into a vibrant cultural destination. The Cogeco Amphitheatre stands as a testament to this transformation, crowned by its bold 78,000-square-foot red angled roof. This architectural marvel not only symbolizes the city’s renewal but also delivers an exceptional acoustic experience for audiences and performers alike.
MECART proudly played a key role in this landmark project, designing and manufacturing the custom red perforated metal acoustical panels that meet the complex demands of open-air acoustics while maintaining a striking aesthetic. By combining our expertise in architectural acoustics and engineering, we helped bring Trois-Rivières’ bold vision to life.
Location
Trois-Rivières, Canada
Industry
Entertainment
Application
Architectural acoustics for outdoor amphitheatre
Quantity
4,502 acoustic panels
Where Sound Meets Design: Acoustic Panels for Complex Open-Air Architectural Acoustics
Perched at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint-Lawrence Rivers, the Cogeco Amphitheatre faced a unique challenge: achieving pristine sound quality in an open-air environment while maintaining its striking architectural identity.
Challenge 1: Overcoming Open-Air Architectural Acoustic Challenges
Open-air venues lack the acoustic boundaries of enclosed spaces, making them susceptible to sound spilling into surrounding neighborhoods and interference from external noise sources such as road traffic and urban activity. For the Cogeco Amphitheatre’s 9,000-seat capacity, this meant ensuring consistent sound quality across every corner of the venue—a critical factor for its audience experience.
Challenge 2: Fitting Acoustic Treatment into the Architectural Vision
The amphitheatre’s distinctive design, highlighted by its distinct red roof spanning 78,000 square feet, demanded that all components contribute to its visual appeal. Acoustic treatment needed to fit naturally within the structure’s aesthetic identity.
Solution: MECART Custom Acoustic Panels That Deliver on All Fronts
MECART’s custom acoustic panels were the perfect marriage of form and function.
Acoustical Panels Engineered for Performance
Constructed from perforated steel and insulated with mineral wool, the acoustic panels offered precise sound absorption. With a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) tailored to the amphitheatre’s unique requirements, they minimized echoes and delivered crystal-clear sound projection throughout the venue.
All our panels and acoustic products are manufactured in our factories in accordance with the ISO 9001 quality management system standard, which guarantees our customers consistent quality.
Steel Acoustic Panels Designed for Durability
Made from 16-gauge galvanized steel, the panels were built to withstand Quebec’s extreme climate, from -30°C winters to 30°C summers.
Their red finish not only matched the canopy’s iconic hue but was also weather-resistant, ensuring long-lasting aesthetic and functional integrity.
Made of steel, MECART acoustical panels are also more resistant to impact and require little to no maintenance.
Custom Color for Architectural Harmony
A custom red finish ensured the acoustical panels blended harmoniously with the amphitheatre’s striking design. This attention to detail preserved the venue’s visual cohesion while enhancing its acoustics, allowing it to stand out as both a cultural and architectural icon.
The Cogeco amphitheatre has won several awards for its architecture, including the Governor’s Medal and the Award of Excellence in Steel Construction.
Upgrade Sound Quality with MECART Acoustic Panels for Architectural Acoustics
Result: A Premier Destination for Live Performances
MECART’s custom acoustic panels helped transform the Cogeco Amphitheatre into a venue celebrated for both its auditory clarity and architectural sophistication. By overcoming the challenges of open-air acoustics, durability combined with a modern look, our panels elevated the amphitheatre to a premier destination for live performances.
“We’re delighted with the result because the sound is perfect right now,” said Steve Dubé, the amphitheatre’s director.
Beyond the technical achievements, the amphitheatre’s success has cemented Trois-Rivières as a cultural hub, attracting visitors and performances from across the region.
Acoustic Panels: Technical Description – Cogeco Amphitheatre
The soffit features 4,502 custom perforated acoustic panels, designed by MECART to optimize sound performance based on their strategic placement within the amphitheater.
Each panel is folded into 51 mm thick cassettes, with two distinct configurations tailored to achieve the required acoustic performance.
Panels near the front stage house denser insulation for enhanced sound absorption, while those at the backstage use lighter insulation suited to their location’s acoustic needs.
- Front Stage Acoustic Panels: 16-gauge perforated galvanized steel (806 x 1884 mm), black fiberglass fabric, 2-inch ROCKBOARD® 80 insulation (128 kg/m³), and stainless-steel cable ties.
- Back Stage Acoustic Panels: 16-gauge perforated galvanized steel (806 x 1884 mm), black fiberglass fabric, 2-inch AFB® insulation (45 kg/m³), and stainless-steel cable ties.
Discover MECART’s Acoustic Panels
Beyond Acoustics for Performance Venues: MECART’s Versatile Sound Absorbing Panels
With customizable features—including NRC ratings between 0.70 and 0.95, custom colors, our sound absorbing panels are engineered to meet any acoustic or design challenge. For added versatility, MECART also provides sound-absorbing panels with integrated soundproofing capabilities, delivering STC ratings from 35 to 62. MECART’s acoustic panels combine durability, aesthetics, and high-performance sound absorption, making them ideal for a variety of applications:
- Sound Studios
- Conference Rooms and Offices
- Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
- Auditoriums and Public Spaces (Libraries, Theatres)
- And More
MECART Acoustic Panels: The Key to Architectural Acoustics Across Industries
The Cogeco Amphitheatre stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design and engineering. By addressing the venue’s unique challenges with precision-engineered solutions, MECART helped achieve its dual goals of architectural brilliance and acoustic excellence.
Ready to elevate your next project? Contact MECART today to discover how our tailor-made acoustic solutions can help bring your vision to life.