SOWIESO

About the project
Sowieso is a historic jazz club and music venue in Berlin. The venue primarily provides a space for concerts and musical events.

Initial situation
The venue is located in a residential building. Despite an agreement allowing concerts until 10:00 pm, there were repeated complaints from neighbours about vibrations and the volume of the concerts. In one case, the police were called, and legal action was threatened. Due to the noise complaints, the venue had to remain closed for almost the entire year of 2023.

Measures

1. Floor sound insulation
A cast asphalt screed was installed in the stage area.

2. Sound insulation of the stage walls
Freestanding wall linings with mineral wool and two layers of heavy gypsum boards were installed in front of the solid walls.

3. Suspended ceiling and room acoustics
An insulated suspended ceiling was installed on the stage and in the audience area. In addition, absorption and diffusion panels were installed on the ceiling.

4. Soundproof doors
Two new soundproof doors were installed: one at the entrance to the stairwell and one between the main room and the theatre room.

Result
The vibrations perceived by the neighbours have been significantly reduced. Louder acoustic sets can now be played while only low levels of sound are audible upstairs. Complaints still occur occasionally, but the situation has improved significantly.

The originally planned sound insulation of the walls and floors of the audience area could not be implemented due to cost reasons. Overall, the project has led to a significant improvement in the venue and its relationship with the neighbours.