002 – Kokopelli’s Sound Shaper

Description

5 weeks (9/2 – 9/3)
Objective
Ability to translate rhythmical patterns from a chosen acoustical environment recording into a physical wearable fabric/ form, which in turn interacts with the motion of the user to create sounding ‘auralscapes’.

Through research and prototyping based on selected sound lexicon, corporeal geometry and human range of motion, construct a portable ‘Sound-shaper’ that can accommodate user movement.

Deliverables
3D Model Composition:
3D Sketch Model(s) + Portable ‘Sound-shaper’ Prototype

Technical Drawings:
Orthographic drawing- plan, elevation (sectional elevation), ‘kit-of-parts’ assembly (exploded paraline) drawings

Model-making techniques:
Paper (Fabric) manipulation. Structural patterning in fabrics (or equivalent). Recyclable mixed-media assembly using sewing/soldering techniques.

Assignment Sequence

  1. In pairs, choose an acoustically “Pleasant” and “Unpleasant” environment within ADM vicinity. Make a short recording of each environment. The recording should be short but long enough to identify any rhythmical cyclical loops of the place. Translate this physically into a ‘sound fabric’ using paper. Some form of 3D rhythmic patterning should be identifiable from your sound fabrics and relating to the initial recordings.
  1. Experiment to see what kind of movement your ‘sound fabrics’ can accommodate. Do some prototyping to see how this may be ‘worn’ over your selected body part. Make modifications, change material if necessary, to best accentuate the Range of Motion (RoM) of your selected body part. This becomes the first prototype to your ‘Sound-shaper”.
  1. From the list of ‘sound’ words, choose 3 key words that you think will further enhance the acoustical experience of wearing your “Sound-shaper” over the selected body part and moving with it. Design your portable “Sound-shaper” with these words in mind. You may consider adding an ‘exoskeletal structure’ to give your “Sound-shaper” a more dynamic form.

References:
Oiran Parade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViJXxAyrFGs