As a continuation of my final year BSc Physics project, I am creating an art installation to visualise the resonant sound waves within the Chapter House in Wells Cathedral. This piece aims to be an immersive experience for viewers to visualise the acoustic properties of the surrounding architecture, while also providing an educational experience in the phenomenon of standing wave patterns. A 2-dimensional example of this are Chladni plates.
I am working on this project alongside Rob Olins, a sculptor/designer working across media, informed by architecture, acoustics and modern engineering techniques, with particular emphasis on the boundaries between art and science. Joe Mills, a physics technician who works for the University of Bath, is also supporting me by using his background in electronics, audio engineering and lighting techniques.
Money raised through this crowdfunding page will go towards the cost of the audioLED modules, a vital component of the piece. Each is comprised of a microphone and single LED, that detects the volume of sound and shines the LED at a corresponding brightness. When arranged in a 3-dimensional matrix around an enclosed space, the acoustic profile of the room can be visualised.
The space has been chosen due to its beautiful octagonal shape, reflective & reverberant stone walls and therefore interesting acoustic features.
My research with computer simulations to predict the nature of the patterns generated by the space have proved to be beautiful.
Standing wave pattern at a frequency of 100.4 Hz, at a horizontal slice at height of 3.5 m:
I am so excited to create this piece and any donations towards making it happen would be incredible!