Gapyeong Culture & Arts Center, South-Korea

INTRODUCTION
The Gapyeong Culture & Arts Center, originally built in 1998, recently underwent an extensive 2023–2025 remodeling that transformed the venue into a modern 596-seat performance hall for orchestral music, ensembles, theatre and cultural events. With the renewed architecture and interior offering improved clarity and definition, the hall required a flexible acoustic environment to fully support its wide range of performances. To achieve this, the venue was equipped with a powerful SIAP AVA Active Acoustics System, delivered in close collaboration with MI Soltech, whose precise workmanship and exceptional attention to detail deserve special recognition.

OUR WORK
SIAP designed and commissioned an active acoustics system based on the AVA processor, using 8 microphones and 88 loudspeakers strategically distributed throughout the hall to create a natural, coherent and highly adjustable sound field.

To ensure the hall can operate cleanly during events where active acoustics is not required, the system incorporates electronic microphone reelers, allowing all microphones to be automatically retracted and hidden when not in use.

A highlight of this installation is the Electronic Orchestra Shell, powered by 20 Adamson loudspeakers, providing exceptional on-stage support for musicians. During the live handover with professional players, performers praised the shell’s clarity, warmth and the sensation of being “lifted” and supported in their playing.

To maximise flexibility, SIAP developed 12 acoustic presets. The first preset, Ambiance, maintains a reverberation time of 1.0 second, giving the hall a subtly more lively and engaging character without altering its natural balance.
The remaining presets range from intimate acoustic environments to expansive settings suitable for choral and orchestral repertoire.

Additionally, two specialised modes were created:

• Stage Monitoring – a hybrid monitoring mode combining active acoustics with direct signals, offering performers both a natural reverberant field and precise musical cues

• Stereo Wash – an immersive FOH enhancement in which all 88 loudspeakers reinforce the main PA, creating a full-room stereo experience ideal for amplified productions

THE RESULT
The Gapyeong Culture & Arts Center now offers an exceptionally versatile and engaging acoustic environment. Acoustic ensembles benefit from increased warmth and support, amplified productions gain impact and immersion through the “Stereo Wash” mode, and performers enjoy outstanding on-stage clarity thanks to the d&b-powered electronic orchestra shell.

With the AVA processor at its core, the system provides precision, consistency and flexibility, allowing the 596-seat hall to meet a wide spectrum of artistic and production requirements with ease.