Team: Binru Liu/ Catherine Achieng/ Zhaolu Song
Brief: Re-design the acoustic properties of a physical space.
Time: 28.05.2021-03.06.2021
Last week, we created a dinner storytelling experience by 3D audio, and this week we will iterate it based on last week’s feedback.
LCC canteen table
Last week, we chose the table in Qendresa’s home as the micro space, however, it doesn’t relate to others' memory. We need to choose a more common and accessible space. Catherine suggested the table in the LCC canteen since it is a public place where students have meals, discuss projects, and chilling together. Most importantly, it contains our memories and easily to get access to.
LCC canteen table. Picture by Team.
Recording day
Considering the last week’s feedback that some people said it was very interesting and storytelling to hear people talking, we decided to go to LCC and record the students’ chatting. To reduce the discomfort of others and get the natural talking sound, we chose groups with many students and left them alone when recording. (All recordings are permitted).
Recording day. Photo by Binru.
Besides, we also test and recorded the sound of the table itself as each different table has its own unique sound. We recorded several types of sounds, and these will be edited with other sounds in the final audio.
Table sound recording. Photo by Binru.
The stages of soundscape
Sound has shape and the shape is keep changing with the changing of time and space (Schafer, 1993; Guzy, 2017). It made me think what if we create soundscapes that keep changing according to the place people stand? Will it be more immersive? So, I came up with the idea that setting several stages for different soundscapes. We set three stages in the different places of the studio and participants go through all stages by following the route. The first stage is a group of girls talking in English close to the participant. The second stage is some boys talking in Chinese far away from the participant. Then, the final stage is the participant’s experience: having a meal with friends
Three stages of the soundscape. Picture by Catherine and me.
We want to create a series of soundscapes that gradually strengthen, so participant’s feelings can be stronger and stronger. For the setting, the first one is just a simple desk, the second one is in a booth and the final one is in a booth with a visual projection projecting a scene that others are eating on the same table with the participant.
Technical problem and assemble testing
As we were happy with our idea, a thorny problem appeared: how to fix the overhead projector. With no idea how to keep it safely overhead, we sought help from technicians from the exhibition team in LCC and tested several possible methods they suggested.
Projector testing. Photo by me.
Feedback from this week
This week was also the speed-dating presentation. We had four groups of students as participants. They thought combining with a projector is a good way to create an immersive soundscape, but it is not enough. John suggested we use the projector in a more innovative way. They liked we set the whole experience into several stages. John and Alastair advised us to think about the contrasts and continuity between these stages. Besides, there was another common feedback that there was no instruction about what to do next after sitting down. I really appreciate all the feedback and will iterate our design next week.
Speed dating. Photos by me.
Next week is the final presentation and we will finish our final design. Only one week last!
References
Schafer, R. (1993). The soundscape: the tuning of the world. Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books; United States.
Guzy, M. (2017) The Sound of Life: What Is a Soundscape? Available at: https://folklife.si.edu/talkstory/the-sound-of-life-what-is-a-soundscape (Accessed: 12 May 2021)
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