Environmental Listening Space
Every day we are subconsciously interacting with our environment. We have an inextricable relationship with our surroundings and we often ignore the fact that we are as dependent upon it as it is on us. I feel that this disconnect could be an aspect as to why there is a reluctance to consider and act on environmental issues. This installation draws awareness to the sonic beauty of the natural environment and our relation to it through the use of a motion sensor, sound and light. By highlighting the idea that we are not a separate entity from our surroundings, perhaps this can encourage pro-environmental behaviour.
Participants are encouraged to enter a metal structure through a translucent green curtain. On entering the structure, a sensor detects the participants movement and triggers a soundscape which is diffused through the quadraphonic speaker array situated in the top four corners. Strips of light on each leg of the structure react to the envelopes of the soundscape producing a sensory and immersive experience. On leaving the structure, the sensor stops detecting movement and deactivates the sound and lights. Each activation of the installation triggers one of eight different soundscapes, with each lasting between one and four minutes. If the sensor continues detecting movement for longer than the length of a soundscape, a new soundscape is automatically triggered at random. The installation is controlled using MaxMsp and Arduino.
