Atlanta will have one of the most uniquely designed concert halls in the world with acoustical excellence and a 21st century design.

The first defining imprint by the ASO on its future home at Symphony Center came in May 2003 with the announcement by acoustical consultants Kirkegaard and Associates of top-of-the-line key interior design features:

Vineyard Tiered Seating
The interior shape of the Symphony Center concert hall will incorporate vineyard or "surround seating" where the audience engages and encircles the concert stage. The "surround shape" design features seating tiers that are sculpted to optimize acoustic support. The new design places the audience in the same space as the orchestra, in which audience members can visually relate to each other and to musicians on the stage and where no seating section is stacked above another.

Movable Acoustic Ceiling
The design incorporates a movable, acoustical ceiling that can be lowered or raised depending on the degree of reverberation required for a particular performance. A baldachino (reflecting canopy) will be incorporated into the ceiling design.

Sculpted Walls & Perimeter Ceiling
Acoustically and architecturally sculpted walls—located at a promenade level at the rear of all seating tiers—surround the perimeter of the seating tiers. The “sculpted” walls extend to a height that allows for development of reverberation within the space and proper sound distribution. Above the sculpted walls are overhanging ceiling elements at the perimeter of the space, which assist with ensemble communication onstage and provide reflection to the audience.

Symphony Center Stage
The new hall's stage is situated within the space rather than separated from the audience. With the unique choral tradition in Atlanta, connection between chorus and orchestra is vital. A section of audience seating directly behind the stage will convert to choral seating.