San Marco Theater | Francesco Traversi

Silente and Flag sound-absorbing products by Caruso Acoustic were installed at the San Marco Theatre in Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy), which is now named after Rossella Falk. Described as a real "jewel of acoustic and architectural design and stagecraft", this is a remarkably functional and aesthetically striking venue.

The supply for the Municipal Theatre of Tarquinia is part of a wider acoustic and architectural redevelopment project led by Architect Traversi, in collaboration with Linea Gobbato and the company itself. The acoustic design of a theatre has to take into account the various requirements related to what the venue may be used for, such as concerts, conferences or performances. In these scenarios, a combination of different sound-absorbing products with wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted and free-standing solutions can achieve optimum levels of acoustic comfort.


Silente and Flag sound-absorbing panels suspended with steel cables were chosen and arranged to cover at least one third of the surface area required for optimum acoustic correction. The panels, installed in alternating horizontal and vertical positions, form striking suspended compositions, with due regard paid to the geometric lines of the auditorium itself. These are supplemented by wall-mounted Silente panels, suspended Kubo sound-absorbing elements and Menhir acoustic totems.

Visually speaking, the architect was inspired by a visit to the Tomb of the Leopards (5th century B.C.) in the necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia. The wide range of colours available for the panels' upholstery fabric made it possible to hark back to the original Etruscan decorations, resulting in a balanced yet visually remarkable setting and bringing a "genuine permanent art installation" to life.