All design and construction projects have acoustic specifications that must be measured up to. Even puppet show theaters have acoustic performance goals. But the phrase “performance level acoustics” refers to an advanced level of acoustics that is principally judged on qualitative perceptions and supported by quantitative acoustic measurements. Success in achieving performance level acoustics depends on the type of performance, the design of the space, and matching the expectations and perceptions of the audience.
Focusing on performance acoustics goals brings us back to origins. Before the invention of quantitative acoustic measurements, all acoustic design was based on qualitative perceptions and what had worked in the past.