I was not going to post, as it seems a consensus is forming. But... I really like the wood slat look, and as Jimbones has said, acoustic treatments can be installed or made to work with whatever he does.
I get the fact that it's an architectural feature close by when you're standing, but I've been to Jim's three times, and 90% of the time is spent sitting and listening. It takes some of the close factor out of the equation.
I do like the look he is proposing. Either way, I'll wrap myself up and come over when it's safe to do so...