The underestimated sound of cities
The "KlangRaum - RaumKlang" exhibition in the Basel Schauraum-b focuses on the sound of cities. It aims to sharpen our understanding of the acoustic qualities of places and spaces.
As the population grows, urban space becomes scarcer and sound spaces become denser. Despite this, architecture and urban planning pay little attention to acoustic changes to spaces and places, with visual aspects taking center stage. Yet it is important for our well-being that visual and auditory sensory impressions are given equal consideration in the design of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Experience shows that negative room acoustics are often only corrected retrospectively with aesthetically questionable and costly measures. If the sound qualities of existing places and new spaces were taken into account at an early stage and suitable forms and materials were chosen for the design, the acoustic facets of a city could be positively influenced in a targeted manner. Ideally, places and spaces worth listening to would be created - a city that sounds good and can contribute to a higher quality of life in urban areas.
The exhibition "KlangRaum - RaumKlang" aims to sharpen our understanding of the auditory perception of space and materials. It presents sound installations by experts from the fields of audio design, corporate sound and acoustic spatial staging. The program of the lecture evenings includes twelve presentations by renowned architects, acousticians, authors and musicians, who will address the topic of spatial sound from various specialist perspectives.
Info:
KlangRaum - RaumKlang. Auditory perception of space and materials, lecture series and panel event at schauraum-b, Austrasse 24, Basel. August 20 - December 10, 2015, Mon - Fri, 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm. Admission free.
