r e s o n a n t : d i s s o n a n t
Thesis project at OCAD University's GradEx Display 2019
This research explored soundscape ecology & the detrimental effects of neglecting sound in design. Interference caused by “human-centered” designs of objects & environment continue to cause great dissonance with the natural soundscapes. Presented as an interactive audiovisual installation, the thesis display was an opportunity to reflect.
From a framework of critical design, one of the purposes was to test how easily the modern individual can be manipulated into engaging with meaningless visual amusement while ignoring the value their other empirical faculties – especially that of listening – can offer in calibrating the reality of & finding meaning in a situation.
From a framework of critical design, one of the purposes was to test how easily the modern individual can be manipulated into engaging with meaningless visual amusement while ignoring the value their other empirical faculties – especially that of listening – can offer in calibrating the reality of & finding meaning in a situation.
Interaction
The observer puts on headphones & can walk around in the space, as if “looking around” with their ears. The soundscapes create a virtual space which they explore with their movements.
They are also invited to interact with the research booklet. Every flip of the page must be gentle, for if one rushed through, they notice the visuals responding to the noise they are leaving behind, which seems amusing but is a deliberately designed distraction.
For those who got distracted & took pleasure in the visual responses to their movements & utterances, the soundscape recording turned into loud anthrophony recorded from around the city, shocking their ears & thus forcing them to retrace their steps in interacting with the exhibit.
In summary, the more one observed the sonic changes instead of the visual ones, the more they understood the premise.
Audio
Binaural encoding, head-tracked (soundscape recording excerpts provided by Bernie Krause © 2019 Wild Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved.)
Software
Max / MSP, MadMapper, Arduino, Ableton Live, Adobe Suite.
Hardware
Arduino headtracker, piezo sensor, webcam motion tracking (via Max/MSP), visual projection mapping (via MadMapper), PVC pipes, projection fabric
Warmest thanks to Bernie Krause, teachers, mentors & friends: Sheila Sampath, Hector Centeno, Diane Mikhael, Bentley Jarvis, Amina Ismail.
