2013 Edition

“Indoor cities” are captivating locales for those interested in aural spaces. With omnipresent motor vehicle traffic stripped away, other sounds emerge, especially those of human presence. The closed configurations of indoor cities accentuate the resonances of sounds and sound effects. Audiotopie intends to compare three indoor cities in Asia—Nagoya, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Shenzhen, China—in light of its experience of Montréal’s underground spaces.

The purpose of this study trip is to expand upon knowledge of underground environments and create a soundwalk, or audio-guided tour, that hybridizes the configurations, ambiances and landscapes of each city. The goal is to use the shared itinerary developed along with video records of the paths to map out a sound-design methodology. Like sheet music, video sequences enhanced by visual effects will then inspire creation of a sonic composition that amplifies the experiences of the indoor cities to guide the listener in his or her understanding of the sound spaces. This trip will provide the opportunity to define a methodology to equip the design staff and facilitate collaborations among practitioners in various design disciplines and the sound designers. Montrealers will be able to experience the sum of this work during the Art souterrain event in 2015.