Sound + The City is a studio course designed examine design and architectural strategies for sound in the urban context of New York City and its five boroughs.
This course is divided into two parts. First, we will examine the characteristics of sound: what, if any, are the differences between sound, noise and music? What makes sound? How can sound effect the way people engage and perceive public space? Aside from an examination of the physical attributes of sound itself, this first section will involve presentations and research into the histories sound art and sound design within the contexts of urban environments.
With this in mind, this research will be directed towards the second phase of the course: the production of a sound- based work that is to be proposed for public space in New York. Emphasis will be given on situating sound both spatially and temporally, understanding the work in terms of site specificity as well as its location within the larger discourses and histories of sound, design and urbanism.
Technical prerequisites are basic sound programs such as Audacity or any basic knowledge of some form of sound-making tools. Course examples may be given using Max/MSP, Processing, Logic, physical computing etc., but only to illustrate concept. The focus will be on the content and context of the works, and participants will be responsible for defining the best tools for the deployment of their ideas.
Final works will be presented as working prototypes/designs or full deployments of the sound interventions. This studio will include a midterm concept critique and final critique by guest architects, artists, designers and sound designers.
