Ellan Suder Looking Outwards-04

The outdoor sound installation “Sonic Playground” (2018), created by Yuri Suzuki Design, features 6 colorful, trumpet-like sculptures that mod

The outdoor sound installation “Sonic Playground” (2018), created by Yuri Suzuki Design, features 6 colorful, trumpet-like sculptures that modify and transmit sound playfully. The software used to develop/optimize the installation was created by Luca Dellatorre in Grasshopper.

Though Grasshopper is a 3D geometrical software and not necessarily meant for sound, he was able to use Rhino 3D environment for acoustic applications because soundwaves can be simulated using ray tracing techniques. His software is meant to mimic the design techniques generally used in concert halls to “maximise the sound that reaches the audience and provide envelopment, strong lateral reflections, etc.” Using Rhino3D, Dellatorre evaluated different shapes for the mirrors and how the sound effect was changed — bells were especially effective in capturing and spreading sound.

I like the appearance of the sculptures. They’re very loopy and colorful, almost reminiscent of some Dr. Seuss illustrations. I think it could have been interesting if, instead of presenting the sculptures as 6 different objects, they designed them to overlap and possibly even intersect.