SOUND EXPERIENCE IN MEDIATED SPACE
Winter 2016
Yi Zhang + Rosa Park
Course Description
This course is a studio-based course focused on the development of sound installation within the context of the contemporary experimental art practice. Through group discussions and individual/group projects students will explore theories, technologies, and practices of sound art and space design, examining the sonic qualities of space and the sculptural properties of sound installation.
In group discussions, the course will explore the field of sound studies, contemporary approaches to sound in installation and space, and digital media art forms in order to be able to critically assess the topics, such as: What is the nature of sound and listening? How has our experience of sound and space changed as we include digital media? How have space/object/materials within sound culture shaped what we are able to listen to, and how we listen to it? How have these radical transformations influenced our perception and experiences of sound and space?
In studio session, students will look to locate the theoretical frameworks explored within their artistic practices utilizing techniques that they will have acquired in class. The studio session covers real-time programming sound systems(Pure Data), sound field-recording and reproduction, room acoustics and reverberation(Audition/Final Cut Pro), basic digital/analog electronics for sonic interaction design(Arduino/Physical Sensors).
Over the course, students will demonstrate three small projects and one final project, which can be done by both individual and group. By the end of the course, students are expected to think critically about sound in relation to physical space and objects; appreciate the importance of a critical examination of sound to both digital media studies and spatial design practices; approach interdisciplinary practices in sound installation; and finally be able to flexibly utilize the technologies learned from class. Students are examined based upon the quality of in-class presentations, sound production assignments, and presentations of a final project.
Learning Objectives:
To think critically about sound in relation to physical space and objects.
To appreciate the importance of a critical examination of sound to both digital media studies and spatial design practices.
To utilize interactive technologies in order to create the powerful capacity of sound to shift the viewers’ perceptions.
To design expanded the process of a sound-centered media and acoustic space.
To practice interdisciplinary studies of sound and space.
To learn about the challenges and responsibilities of individual or collaborative projects.
Course Schedule (tentative):
WEEK1: Sound and Listening
Day 1
Seminar: Course overview and introduction
Sound art / Sound as media / Attentive listening
New media technologies in sound art
Interactivity in sound Installation
Studio: Sound recording Introduction / Audacity
Introduction of different recording devices
In class recording practice
Day 2
Seminar: Big Ideas: Don't get any by James Houston
Studio: Advanced sound reproduction: Pure Data
Show and tell (recording assignments)
Pure Data Introduction
Day 3
Seminar: Sound artists in the world
Studio: Advanced sound reproduction : Pure Data
Assignment: Create one-minute video/audio piece
WEEK 2: Space and Object / Installation
Day 4
Seminar: Site-specific Installation
Studio: Show and tell / Audition / Muti-channel sound system in space
Assignment: “Listening”: 3-5 minute sound performance, recorded + sample sounds)
Day 5
Seminar: Digital Media in sound Installation / Performance and Projection
Studio: Show and tell / Final Cut Pro / Projection Mapping
Assignment: “Site unseen”(group work) /Use sound to intervene or sculpt a space / Recorded+ sample sounds, video (animation/ shooting and post production)
WEEK 3: Sensing and Control Systems for Sound Art
Day 6
Seminar: Basic Digital/Analog Electronics For Sonic Interaction Design
Studio: Show and tell / Arduino & Physical Sensors
Assignment: Use Arduino and create at least 2 sensors to play sounds
Day 7
Seminar: Sound + Space + Interactivity 1
Studio: Show and tell / Combination physical sensors with Pure Data platform
Assignment: DIY instruments for sound performance in site-specific space (Individual or group)
Day 8
Seminar: Sound + Space + Interactivity 2
Studio: Show and tell / Real-time sound performance
Assignment: Preparation for final projects
WEEK 4: Performance / In-Class Improvisation
Day 9
Seminar: Sound + Performance (Sound work combined with different art forms)
Studio: Brainstorming session for in class improvisation
Day 10
In class improvisation and performance
WEEK 5: Final Crit