Explorations of Sonic Spaces Through Robotic Speakers

The artists will develop and present a new interactive sound landscape for performance or installation. Both Driscoll and Edelstein have focused on the use unique loudspeakers over the years to excite architectural acoustic spaces. This is reflected in their work with David Tudor’s Rainforest IV and their creation of Rainforest V which both use an array of 20+ resonant object loudspeakers.

Their fascination with physically moving sound in spaces has led to explorations with robotic rotating loudspeakers of various sizes and characteristics. In recent years they have been desiring intelligent control systems that allow for either use in performances or self-running installations. The technology is reaching a point where the integration of systems that can articulately respond to visitor interaction/input, automatically tune to new acoustic environments, and generate source material based on these features is now becoming possible. Driscoll and Edelstein propose taking the work they have made to date and advancing it with new capabilities.

We propose using the lab facilities, to expand the gestural range of the instruments, we will:

1. Customize the motors drives for more robust loads (larger sound drivers) and quiet operation
2. Further develop articulate sensors (acoustic measurements/feedback, audience movement patterns)
3. Design, prototype and execute software for:
   1. Scan and recognizing the acoustic properties of the space
   1. Creating responses to audience interaction (movement, changing source file sequences, manipulating sound generation characteristics
   1. Remote access to control systems (with debugging, restarting functions)
   1. Creating a library of speaker physical gestures (gesture libraries)
   1. Overall choreography of speaker clusters
   1. Development and tuning of audio self-generation
4. Create a new work utilizing the above developments
5. Explore new avenues for visitor interactions through presentations and workshops

Along with the creation of a new work, we propose to offer these robotic sound devices for use by other artists/composers. To accomplish this, we propose offering a residency that would allow other artists to create works using our devices/software. This would allow an expanded idea that these devices are instruments not only for our works, but for others to explore. 

Core themes:

• Evolution driven new works – the circumstances of new technologies bring forth new creative opportunities
• Sculptural sonic objects, electronics and software as expressive new media
• Audience Exploration, tactility, interactivity & engagement – transforming the gallery visitor from a passive observer to an active participant.
• Design & Technology: Integrating gesture-based expression with technical sensor-based innovations and spatially aware instrumental loudspeakers.
• Techniques for architectural scale and site-specific adaptations

This is building upon our other recent projects that were inimitably coupled with the honor of participating in the inauguration of MoMA (NY) new wing in 2019 and the new Arter Museum (Istanbul). Our work is inspired and integrally linked to acoustic spaces including the cloister housing Laboratorio Arte Alameda in Mexico City, Fort Jay on Governors Island in the NYC harbor and our 1975 installation of Rainforest IV at LACMA.