2008
Sound, Installation
People:
Teresa DillonArduino build/software: Mark Paxton
WHEN AND WHERE?
Fri 7 March - Wed 2 April, 2008
Knowle West Media Centre & Arnolfini, Bristol
ABOUT
Created specifically for the opening of the new Knowle West Media Centre the piece explored noise pollution levels between the Media Centre and the partner commissioning gallery, the Arnolifini in central Bristol. Noise pollution is continually monitored by local councils and noise maps are now produced by the European Union for monitoring, control and awareness purposes. However what we define and consider as noise is also very subjective and open to interpretation. Additionally environmental monitoring is likely in the future to influence how our neighborhoods and homes are perceived and valued.
The project involved:
Interviews with members of the Knowle West community, were carried out, which involved asking them about their favorite routes around the estate and into central Bristol. From the interviews one particular route was selected. The noise levels on this route were monitored over different time periods during a few days and the average was used to create a 3D Google Earth map of the noise levels. This was support as support material along with an accompanying text as part of the exhibition opening.
At two fixed points at the end of the route, microphones were placed at each building (Media Centre/Arnolfini), which recorded the decibel level of the surrounding environmental sound, when this reached a certain level, it triggered a series of small fans, which were situated within two 'miniature stage-set' installation boxes. When the fans began to rotate they triggered the movement of a series of small light-gel sculptures, which produced shadows, which were reflected on the skins of the boxes. In essence the perceived 'negative' input of the noise pollution was used to propel the fans, which created enough turbulence inside the 'miniature stage set' boxes to move the gels and cause a decorative effect within the small worlds constructed within each box.
To support this installation a map of the noise levels between the two walks was created. The data from the mobile noise sensors was inputted into Google Maps and an accompany explanatory text provided.
Partners:
Funders:
Knowle West Media CentreArnolfini Bristol Co-Commission
