Stanford University - Computer Music Building

Center for Computer Research in Music + Acoustics

Stanford, California

The Knoll is an adaptive reuse of the original 1917 President's mansion at Stanford University, including a full seismic retrofit and historic rehabilitation of the exterior and public interior spaces.

Renovation created the opportunity to adapt the space for continually changing technology and the sensitive acoustic needs of the music program. The Listening Room creates spherical surround sound environments with a seven-sided depressed floor and the necessary height for a listener to be positioned at the center of the sound sphere. Five new studio spaces provide teaching and research space with adjustable acoustic surfaces adaptable to the varied program requirements of composing, editing and recording. The third floor accommodates a new 100-seat Performance Space and reception area that doubles as a student lounge. Exposed roof trusses add height and volume for optimal acoustic and integrated systems.