University of North Texas Jazz Lab
Project Overview
The University of North Texas (UNT) recently completed significant renovations to its Jazz Lab (Lab West, Room 282), updating nearly 4,000 square feet with better acoustics (gills, reflectors, traps), new seating for 115, infrastructure upgrades, an elevator, and enhanced restrooms to support its renowned jazz program and popular Lab Bands. The project, finished around early 2024, aimed to modernize the rehearsal, teaching, and recital space for the UNT College of Music, coinciding with the Jazz Studies program's 75th anniversary. The architect for the University of North Texas (UNT) Jazz Lab renovation was Smith Group, an international firm with a Dallas office, while the construction was handled by Adolfson & Peterson (AP) Construction, with HGA involved in the specific wooden dowel design. The project focused on updating the existing space for UNT's renowned Jazz Studies program, integrating modern needs with its storied musical legacy.
The Challenge
The renovation of the UNT Jazz Lab required a high-performance acoustic solution that honored the program’s musical legacy while introducing a bold, contemporary design. The original concept called for a fully non-repeating wooden dowel diffuser pattern, but the custom fabrication required made the system cost-prohibitive. The challenge was to achieve the desired diffusion performance and striking visual character within a realistic project budget.
Our Solution
Redbud engineered a custom system of eight randomized dowel diffuser panels that could be rotated and arranged to create the appearance of a non-repeating pattern. This modular approach delivered the intended acoustic diffusion and sculptural wall geometry while significantly reducing fabrication complexity and cost. The result is a one-of-a-kind installation that enhances sound quality and provides a distinctive architectural identity for the UNT Jazz Lab.
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