Thomas Wulfrank
Acoustician
Associate
Thomas Wulfrank.
Skilled and creative thinker in acoustic measurements, acoustic optimisations, 3D models, physical scale models, curved surfaces and architectural design.
23 years of experience.
Fluent in Dutch, English, French.
Member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), United Kingdom.
Member of the Nederlands Akœstisch Genootschap (NAG), Netherlands.
Scientific Education
2001 MSc (DEA ATIAM acoustics) IRCAM, Paris, France.
2000 MSc (engineering) Universiteit Gent, Belgium; University of Technology, Denmark.
Musical Education
Pianist.
Classical choir singer.
Professional Experience
Since January 2006, acoustician and partner at Kahle Acoustics, Brussels, Belgium
2026 De Singel, Antwerp, Belgium • Poponcini & Lootens ingenieur-architecten (POLO).
2026 MuCH, Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth, Waterloo, Belgium • SI Studio.
2026 Kanal - Centre Pompidou, Brussels, Belgium • Sergison Bates Architects • EM2N • noAarchitecten.
2026 Frame media center, Brussels, Belgium • Baukunst • Bruther.
2025 P.A.R.T.S., Ictus, Rosas, Brussels, Belgium • Artsceno & Space Factory.
2025 RTBF, Brussels, Belgium • MDW • V+.
2025 Kaaitheater, Brussels, Belgium • Aaa - architectuuratelier ambiorix.
2025 Bozar, Brussels, Belgium • Atelier d'Architecture Pierre Hebbelinck.
2024 Théâtre Jean Vilar, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium • Ouest Architecture.
2023 AskNow (Acoustics Knowledge Alliance), web-based education platform dedicated to acoustics and financed by the European Union.
2023 Theater De Oranjerie, Roermond, Netherlands • QMVH Architectuur.
2023 Beijing Performing Arts Centre, Tongzhou District, China • BIAD.
2023 Belgian Beer World, Brussels, Belgium • Robbrecht en Daem Architecten • BEAU • Popoff Architectes.
2021 Grand Manège, Namur, Belgium • Cabinet d'architectes p.HD • AASA.
2020 Axel Springer Media Center, Berlin, Germany • Rem Koolhaas, OMA.
2018 Theater aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht, Netherlands • AMA Group Associated Architects.
2017 La Monnaie / De Munt, Brussels, Belgium • Origin Architecture & Engineering • A2RC Architects.
2017 De Scala, Kortrijk, Belgium • b2ai.
2017 Carré des Docks - Le Havre Normandie, France • Richez Associés • Paul Andreu Architecte.
2016 Musikzentrum Bochum, Germany • Bez + Kock Architekten.
2016 Zwin Natuur Park, Knokke-Heist, Belgium • Coussée Goris Huyghe Architecten • GAFPA.
2015 Arsonic, Mons, Belgium • Holoffe & Vermeersch • Atelier d'Architecture Laurent Niget.
2015 Le Cellier, Reims, France • L'Escaut Architectures.
2015 Reflektor, Liège, Belgium • Cabinet d'architectes p.HD.
2015 Philharmonie de Paris, France • Jean Nouvel, Ateliers Jean Nouvel • Brigitte Métra, Métra & Associés.
2014 Zuiderstrandtheater, The Hague, Netherlands • Thijs Mauve Architect • Jochem Groenland Architect.
2014 Maison des Arts et de la Vie associative, Épernay, France • Giovanni Pace.
2013 Shandong Grand Theater, Jinan, China • Paul Andreu Architecte • Richez Associés • BIAD.
2013 Weifang Culture & Art Center, China • RSP Architects Planners Engineers.
2013 Landestheater Linz, Austria • Terry Pawson, Terry Pawson Architects.
2013 Nordlyskatedralen Alta kirke, Norway • Link Arkitektur • Schmidt/Hammer/Lassen Architects.
2012 Wuxi Grand Theatre, China • PES-Architects • Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design & Research.
2009-2012 Kerkzaal - Hermitage Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2011 Muziekcentrum De Bijloke, Ghent, Belgium • Architectuuratelier Oswald Van De Sompel.
2010 The Howard Theatre, Cambridge, United Kingdom • Quinlan & Francis Terry Architects.
2008 Curve, Leicester, United Kingdom • Rafael Viñoly, Rafael Viñoly Architects.
From 2002 to 2005, acoustician at Arup Acoustics, London, United Kingdom
2008 The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom • Allies and Morrison.
2008 Oslo Opera House, Norway • Snøhetta.
2007 Alsion Concert Hall, Sønderborg, Denmark • 3x Nielsen.
2004 Wigmore Hall, London, United Kingdom • Renton Howard Wood Levin Architects.
2004 Cosmo Rhodewald Hall, Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, Manchester University, United Kingdom.
2004 Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
2004 Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark • Henning Larsen.
Publications
Lecturer and author: Scientific articles publications in journals and conference proceedings:
2025 Impact of Grazing Incidence Attenuation on Early Reflection Design • UK.
2025 Acoustic Proximity — Experience and New Considerations • UK.
2023 The influence of reflection surface size in concerts halls • Greece.
2023 Development of an omnidirectional source for acoustical scale-model measurments • Greece.
2016 Shaping concert halls • Portugal.
2015 Philharmonie de Paris — Acoustic Scale Model Study • France.
2015 Philharmonie de Paris — Acoustic Scale Model Study (poster) • France.
2013 How far should the geometry of a concert hall be optimised? • Canada.
2013 Recent experiences with vibration of stage and audience floors in concert halls • Canada.
2012 Architectural shape and early acoustic efficiency in concert halls.
2007 La Philharmonie de Paris Concert Hall Competition Part 2: The Competition • Spain.
2007 La Philharmonie de Paris Concert Hall Competition Part 1: Acoustic Brief • Spain.
2006 Philharmonie de Paris Acoustic Brief Section on Concert Hall only.
2006 Philharmonie de Paris Programme acoustique Section sur la salle de concert uniquement.
2006 Acoustic Analysis of Wigmore Hall London in the Context of the 2004 Refurbishment • UK.
Thomas Wulfrank Key Reference Projects
Thomas Wulfrank Biography
Education
Born in 1977, Thomas Wulfrank studied engineering at the University of Ghent, obtaining his master's degree (burgerlijk ingenieur) in July 2000 with Great Distinction. His curriculum included a one-year guest programme at the Department of Acoustic Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU Lyngby). His Master's thesis dealt with auralisation techniques (ambisonics) and auditory virtual reality in the context of architectural acoustics. During the academic year 2000-2001, Thomas Wulfrank undertook further studies at IRCAM in Paris where he completed a multidisciplinary Master of Science program “DEA ATIAM”, consisting of pre-doctoral courses, in acoustics and signal processing, applicable to music, and a research project on auditory masking in Steve McAdams' psycho-acoustics team.
Musical Experience
From 1985 to 1992, Thomas studied classical music (theory and piano) at several music academies in Flanders. His piano tutors included Johan Machielsen and Gunther Broucke. From 1993 until 1999, he took regular private classes with Filip Martens. He also played the Hammond organ in his brothers' band, as a student. Currently, Thomas sings in a classical choir in Brussels.
Acoustical Consulting Experience
From January 2002 to November 2005, Thomas Wulfrank worked at Arup Acoustics UK — first as an assistant then as a consultant — on the acoustic design of performing arts and cultural buildings. Major project contributions include the renovation of the famous 550-seat Wigmore Hall, London, Allies and Morrison's renovation of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London, Manchester University's new 350-seat Cosmo-Rhodewald hall, and on the new Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, UK; Snøhetta's new Opera House, Oslo, Norway; the 3xNielsen's new 1 000-seat Alsion Concert Hall, Søderborg and Henning Larsen's new Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kahle Acoustics Reference Projects
In January 2006, Thomas joined Kahle Acoustics. As a skilled-creative thinker when it comes to acoustic measurements, acoustic optimisations, 3D models, physical scale models, curved surfaces and architectural design, Thomas has contributed to about fifty Kahle Acoustics' projects mainly dedicated to the performing arts but not only. Where the acoustic and architectural ambitions need to be combined, Thomas' synthetic approach is essential.
