Sound Geometry

Exploration of the differences in sound spatialisation among various materials: Natural materials, with their specific internal geometry, guide, accelerate, and diffuse sound in different ways.

The sculptural object shown is actually a sound object. The geometric figure is pure, made of solid wood and devoid of any technological devices; Vibrant, it transmits sound uniquely thanks to its physical and geometric characteristics. Silent when taken individually, it begins to resonate once in contact with a vibration source transmitted from the pedestal. The latter contains the technological device used to play music from devices via Bluetooth, cable, or Wi-Fi. The base, without the structure, would lose its amplification, and low-volume sounds could be heard (like those of a turntable not connected to the system). The effect is similar to that of a tuning fork, whose sound is amplified by the surface (or structure) on which it rests.

The sound emerges directly from the material with which the sound object is constructed. The diffusion occurs mainly from the vibrations transmitted and amplified by the wooden part, but also by the plaster part and the metal closure collar. The object has no holes or technological traces. It is recharged using a wireless charging device that can be inserted into a special base (optional) or hidden in any piece of furniture. One available version also includes packaging that becomes a white pedestal on which to place Hmsphr (as happens during exhibitions). The beauty of this object derives from its functional sound expression.

In search of maximum freedom of movement and the ‘purity’ of vibration, the idea of suspending and making the investigated geometric structures float was born. From this need and curiosity comes Icshdrn lvt (levitating icosahedron). It is one of the Platonic solids that, thanks to a magnetic levitation device that keeps it suspended, is set into vibration without any external contact. The prototype, presented at the Rossana Orlandi gallery, has a base segment 10 cm long. In the final product, the solid will be larger, offering greater intelligibility on the origin and natural spatialisation of sound within the figure.

Exploration of the Differences in Sound Spatialization Among Platonic Solids: in geometry, a Platonic solid is a convex, regular polyhedron in three-dimensional Euclidean space. The sound that enters these different structures takes shape and inherits their geometric properties. It is therefore of particular interest to observe the physical and acoustic phenomenon in these remarkable polyhedra. More than the quality of the sound, here we observe how the different sound waves position themselves autonomously and in an absolutely non-uniform manner within the structure.