Around the world, scientists, researchers and musicians have taken note of what is happening within the walls of an addition and renovation at the Psychology Building on the McMaster University Campus. Audience members and performers connect to sensory receptors within the McMaster Institute for Music and The Mind, receptors that measure the brain’s reaction to the sound of music. It is one-of-a-kind, ground breaking research, that advances our understanding of how music plays a larger role in our health, emotions, language, cognitive and social abilities.

The research is made possible by its surroundings, a highly specialized 100-seat, $8 million theatre and product of eight years of planning and two years of construction. It was born from the unique collaboration between researchers, engineers and architects. This inventive team shaped a truly special and integrated design. It is an environment that seamlessly incorporates specialized lab requirements, high performing building system and inventive building envelope solutions. It is a beautiful design that successfully mixes art and science with high precision.

The renovation involved an addition atop the current psychology building. The building envelop had to support the specialty requirements for the lab. It includes high-quality interior air and sound controls. A unique engineering challenge, the lightweight structure hangs over the existing building, and incorporates heavy materials such as concrete block walls. The mechanical and electrical ductwork and HVAC components were specially designed to distribute the weight within the new structure, while adhering to the strict noise dampening requirements. The atrium space is flooded with natural light from the expansive windows which have become a hallmark of the project’s exterior design, while small windows are arranged along the exterior in the pattern of the notes from a famous Beatles song, adding an element of whimsy to the overall design.

On the interior, the lab designed to meet highly technical demands. We achieved NC 10 noise criterion by isolating the interior within critical zones, helped by double walls, acoustic paneling, a concrete-lined ceiling and a floating floor. An in-demand space, artists flock to the space for its unique acoustic value, designed to be able to replicate any acoustical environment, from the Radio City Music Hall to Royal Opera House thanks to 72 speakers and 20 hanging microphones which technicians may quickly manipulate.

Up to 32 audience members may be connected at any one time to complex sensors which measure their reactions to the music in real time. Musicians may also wear the electrode lined caps, measuring their brain waves, while their movements may be captured in 3D computer models. Hi-def screens behind the stage display brain waves, showing reactions to the music being created in a visual format, transmitted in beautiful, real-time display.

Renovation/Addition