SOUNDSCAPE
Architecture | Museum | Interactive Installations
Design Thesis
Why do we feel refreshed when we retreat into the mountains and hear the rustling leaves or flowing waterfalls? Contemporary philosopher Tom Sparrow attributes this to “sensory crystallization”—a state where our senses become numb due to repetitive exposure. Familiar daily sounds lose their impact after countless repetitions, leaving our minds unstimulated. We might ignore passing cars on a busy street, but a sudden honk jolts us out of this state, triggering an active response like curiosity or anxiety.
Located on the bank of Huangpu River in Hongkou District, Shanghai, Soundscape is an immersive sound experience museum that aims to challenge the norms of urban environment from an acoustic perspective.
The Soundscape Museum aims to break this sensory crystallization by creating unfamiliar acoustic experiences through innovative technology and architectural spaces, reawakening the body and mind of its visitors.
My Role
Designer in a duo team. This is the senior year Comprehensive Design Studio ARC 409 design project in Syracuse University School of Architecture, collaborated with Ziyizhou, my peer and design partner.
Timeline
4 months
Program Composition
Besides the performance center being the most familiar acoustic conditions, the other acoustic experiences provide different sensory experiences to visitors.
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The simulation lab employs a kinetic floor and ceiling panel that incorporates acoustic sensors, actuating kinetic feedbacks on the floor and ceiling panels.
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The exhibition space features temporary sound art installations.
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The anechoic chamber simulates the absolute silence in the vacuum of the Space.
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The meditative space is equipped with dome-shape ceiling panels that create resonating space for meditation.
Spatial Composition
The exhibited sound art is centered around uncommon acoustic conditions in urban life, featuring simulations of natural and cosmic sounds, acoustic effects created by architectural geometry, and artistic creations. Visitors enter through a pyramid-shaped passageway leading to a resonating atrium. The space’s design forms two acoustic chambers at opposite ends, offering unique auditory experiences while visually drawing visitors deeper into the museum.
