AHM - BEIRUT | Architectural Acoustics + Sound Containment

Rebalancing Sound for Beirut’s Nightlife Icon.

Beirut’s AHM is a sprawling open-air club rooted in the city’s vibrant social fabric. The context demanded an acoustic strategy that could support pulsating music, outdoor dynamics, and crowd-friendly sound control. This case study walks through how 21dB tackled the unique challenge of optimizing sound in an urban waterfront environment, balancing power with precision so AHM’s atmosphere could thrive without overwhelming nearby spaces.

 

CHALLENGES

  • Sound leakage to residential areas of the city centre
  • Creating a intimate acoustics environment for 3000+ club goers 

 

STRATEGIES

  • High sound attenuating construction sandwich panels for the club perimter and ceiling with triple glazed acoustic polycarbonate for entrance and ceiling area
  • Three highly absorbing perimeter walls and an angular polycarbonate fourth facade wall. Ceiling is designed to be absorbing in part of its surface

 

 

ACOUSTICS AND OUTDOOR SOUND PROPAGATIONDATA

Outdoor acoustic and sound propagation simulations were carried out to predict sound levels, coverage, and dispersion across the venue and its surroundings. Using a detailed 3D model, we analyzed sound propagation, reflections, frequency-dependent behavior, and off-site impact to control energy within the audience area while limiting spill beyond the venue boundaries. This data-driven approach informed system layout, aiming, and level management to support high-impact performances while respecting the urban and environmental context.

Projects of this scale demand predictive modeling rather than reactive tuning, particularly in dense urban and waterfront environments.