Acoustic Installation at The Joan Performing Arts Center
Project Overview
Soundproof San Diego was brought in by the general contractor to execute the specialized acoustic installation of the The Joan, San Diego’s newest world-class performing arts venue.
Located within the historic Naval Building 178 at Liberty Station, the project involved the adaptive reuse of a WWII-era military structure into a cultural landmark—anchored by a 284-seat proscenium theater and a 150-seat black box studio.
Though Soundproof San Diego was not involved in the design phase, our team was brought in during construction to implement key acoustical features with precision and care—supporting the design intent and helping the venue achieve the sound quality expected of a professional performance space.
During installation, our team made field-driven adjustments to ensure proper performance and integration of materials where real-world conditions differed from the original plans.
A standout feature of the project was the curved wall-to-ceiling transition in the lobby—requiring precise coordination and craftsmanship to execute within tight tolerances.
Our Role
Working under the direction of Suffolk Construction, Soundproof San Diego’s installers were tasked with installing a sophisticated suite of acoustic materials designed to reduce reverberation, isolate external noise (including nearby airport traffic), and support sonic clarity for both speech and music.
Installation Scope:
- Micro-perforated acoustic wood panels
- Fabric-wrapped high-impact acoustic panels
- Wall and ceiling acoustic treatments
- Curved radius acoustic assemblies
- Architectural acoustic cladding and isolation materials
Site Challenges & Solutions
Adapting a 1940s-era building for 21st-century performance standards required high levels of coordination and installation expertise. Many elements were installed within non-standard framing and tight tolerances. Our team worked closely with Suffolk and other trades to ensure clean integration of acoustical components around HVAC, lighting, and life-safety systems.
The project’s location under a busy airport flight path made sound isolation a priority. Each panel and assembly had to be installed with precision to meet performance expectations
“These materials don’t just look beautiful, they’re mission-critical to how the space
is intended to perform..”
— Neil Hamovitch, Owner, Soundproof San Diego
Outcome
The Joan officially opened in January 2024 as a fully renovated performing arts venue, blending historic architecture with modern functionality.
Soundproof San Diego’s installation contributed to the successful completion of the acoustic scope, delivering the materials and assemblies as designed and coordinated across multiple trades.
Why This Project Matters
This installation highlights Soundproof San Diego’s ability to execute complex acoustic scopes while supporting constructability, adapting to field conditions, and coordinating with multiple trades under tight timelines. It also reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner in the arts, education, healthcare, and institutional sectors.
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