ECHO LOCUS
I worked on this installation as part of a group composed of six multi-disciplinary artists.
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We were interested in exploring how sound can affect our spacial perception. We proposed to create a sonic environment by mapping a virtual space with a variety of field recordings. Through the use of headphones, visitors will be invited to move around physically, interacting with the virtual soundscape and the tangible space simultaneously. Participants will be invited to follow a sonic path, yet also encouraged to diverge. Since the participant’s location and pace will determine their sonic experience, this will differ from one to another.
The main objectives were:
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• The use of sound to explore environments
• Showcase our work in the form of a sound installation
• Interaction with a complex palette of sounds.
• New methods for engaging with field recordings.
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In order to gather a diverse library of sound recordings to work with, we ran an open call for field recordings from which we received forty one (41) contributions.
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More information about the installation and the project can be found at:
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https://dmsp.digital.eca.ed.ac.uk/blog/echolocus2016/category/sub2/
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As it is possible to see from the videos, the installation ran thanks to a high-resolution webcam with a wide angle, which was used to monitor the space. Thanks to our background subtraction code written in Unity 5 using C#, we were then be able to locate the position of the visitor inside the space.
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FMOD was used to create the sonic ambiences and designing the sound interactions that would have been present during the installation. We created four different experiences based on the type of audio files we received form our online call-out. The sound designs had to mirror the experiences' themes and moods, as well as create interesting and engaging atmospheres. The four themes were:
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Diving || Flying
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Mechanic || Resonance
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Conveyance || Lingual
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Ethereal || Material