The former Bowl dates back to the late 1920s and several attempts have been made over the years to improve the acoustics so that members of the orchestra could hear each other. The last incarnation included the installation of 11 fibre glass spheres of various sizes under the direction of renowned expressionist postmodern architect, Frank Gehry.

The project essentially comprised demolishing the existing Bowl and rebuilding from the ground up. The new Bowl incorporates a radical acoustical approach developed by Chris Jaffe of Jaffe Holden Acoustics, Inc.ÊLarge panels hinge on the bottom chord of the cross stage trusses and deflect the sound back down to the stage in a controlled way.

The new acoustic canopy measures some 78 feet by 68 feet and is supported at a 10 degree angle below the main roof structure by inclined tubular steel struts. The principal components of the canopy are an elliptical perimeter ladder truss with integral catwalk, four cross stage triangular trusses which support acoustic panels and three lighting battens.

The perimeter truss has curved 6" x 6" square aluminum chords with 3" x 3" diagonals and 6" x 3" vertical members onto which ribbed plates are bolted to form the supports for a continuous open grid aluminum catwalk. These ribs are formed from aluminum plate that was water jet cut to the correct profile and provide support for the curved fibre glass panels which cover the underside of the ellipse.

Four large triangular trusses span across stage between elements of the perimeter truss and carry the main hinged acoustic panels. These panels are fabricated with aluminum ribs which support matte Makrolon panels on one side. They are a similar cross section to an aircraft wing and can be deployed at various angles using remote controlled linear actuators.

The rigging and control system were designed and installed by Proskenion Design, LLC and LA Propoint, Inc.

Total Structures worked closely throughout the design phase with Hopper Elmore and Associates who were the Engineer of Record for the canopy. The project was completed in early June 2004 and was handed over to the client in time for the first show on June 19.ÊThe new Hollywood Bowl is scheduled to be used for a number of high profile shows over the summer season including performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and special events such as Simon and Garfunkel, Eric Clapton, Sting, Rod Stewart, The Who and Norah Jones.