Saturday, September 13, 2008

Architecture as an Instrument for Music : Le Cylindre Sonore



"Sound is no longer exclusively the instrument of musical expression, designed with precision, it becomes a building material in the creation of space." - Bernhard Leitner

Le Cylindre Sonore is a cylindrical space located within Parc de la Villete, that is conceived as a hub or transitional space within the landscape. The space uses sound as the primary element to provide the transition between the north and south sides of the park. It is built up as a double cylinder: The outer wall acting as a retaining wall and acoustical buffer, while the inner wall containing 8 perforated - precast concrete panels. There is enough space between the inner and outer wall to act as an acoustical chamber, with three speakers mounted at different heights, serving as a resonator. The sounds produced encourages visitors to stop, listen, linger, and reflect before continuing their journey through the park.




Reflections: I am curious on how to use wind as the generator of sound, rather than speakers. The intensity and direction of the wind maybe factors that help produce different dynamics or pitches within the sounds produced (sort of like the wind chimes effect, yet a more spatial representation of that). I am also interested to find out whether dealing with sound in architecture helps assist the blind in their awareness of space.


Bernhard Leitner website: http://www.bernhardleitner.at/en/

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