Sonic storytelling, concept interaction design
Made by Yiqing Tian
Made by Yiqing Tian
This unique sonic storytelling initiative invites audiences to engage with urban construction sites in a novel way.
Participants are encouraged to record the often-overlooked sounds of these sites. Through the interactive website, these recordings are transformed into captivating audio visualizations. Each participant's contribution becomes a part of a larger, collaborative effort to build a virtual cityscape, symbolically constructed from the very sounds that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.
SOUND CITY aims not only to spotlight the omnipresent nature of urban construction noise but also to reshape our perception of it, turning a common source of annoyance into a collective artistic expression.
Participants are encouraged to record the often-overlooked sounds of these sites. Through the interactive website, these recordings are transformed into captivating audio visualizations. Each participant's contribution becomes a part of a larger, collaborative effort to build a virtual cityscape, symbolically constructed from the very sounds that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.
SOUND CITY aims not only to spotlight the omnipresent nature of urban construction noise but also to reshape our perception of it, turning a common source of annoyance into a collective artistic expression.
Inspiration
Strolling through Shanghai's network of streets and hidden alleys, the cityscape reveals a tapestry of active construction sites. The air is filled with a mechanical orchestra of large machines: a relentless, rumbling soundtrack to the city's continuous transformation.
Sound Recording & Participation
I capture a diverse range of auditory textures from various construction sites. Beyond my own efforts, I engage the community, inviting collaborators to join me in this sonic harvest. This not only enriches my collection of soundscapes but also deepens participants' appreciation and understanding of the acoustic environment around them.
Sound Visualization
Utilizing Adobe Audition, I meticulously processed the audio, first bringing the spectral frequencies to life through visual analysis. Subsequently, I employed Adobe After Effects, where I infused the spectral visualization with dynamic particles and intricate expressions, enhancing the visual representation of the sound's texture and rhythm.
Idea & Prototype
I have created a prototype of a virtual platform. Through this platform, we encourage people to upload sounds recorded from construction sites. Once the sounds are converted into visual blocks of audio visualization, individuals can use these blocks to construct buildings and cities.
This platform empowers individuals to re-envision urban noise as stunning architectural motifs. These intricate patterns, once just echoes of the city's pulse, are transformed into visual narratives displayed across billboards, inviting introspection and a new perspective on our urban soundscape. Noise, often considered a byproduct of progress, is reframed here as an emblem of the city's evolution and improving living standards. We encourage everyone to not only bask in the environment but also to listen—to truly listen—and discover the rich stories woven into the very hum of our modern world.