Sound Installation: Nature Vs Industry (Combined Mix)

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Published on May 15, 2010 9:38:07 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxuZLEzn1Yg

Duration: 10:00

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Application Of Sound (APPSO): a unit which makes up quarter of the final year within this degree. This is the end result of 3 months solid work, after being grouped together we were given the task of producing a sound installation; which would then be performed and finally presented/evaluated a week later. Choices were completely open. 2 compositions, 2 soundscapes; originally played separated, this is the combined mix. The projected slideshow was played in the centre of the room, where you could hear both compositions clearly, reflective of both nature and industry working in harmony. An extract from the original proposal and final presentation follows


PROPOSAL

"This group; through the application of sound, intends to demonstrate how the industrial expansion of mankind is affecting critical elements of the planet's ecosystem, the general philosophy being how dependent on exploitative means of sustenance (as a species) we are prepared to become at the expense of natural biodiversity and evolution. This will be achieved through the use of an installation, showcasing a different perspective from each side of the argument; both nature and industry. Our group will create two spaces on either side of the room, and intend to demonstrate the positive and negative aspects of each element; through the use of visual and auditory techniques. This will be a politically driven project; as opposed to a social, economic or religious project.

Two compositions/soundscapes will be developed for both the nature and industry side, with sound design appropriate to each area, This group will attempt to include an underlining element tying each of the nature and industry soundscape/compositions together (to show that they can indeed co-exist; hydroelectricity, wind power, hydroponics etc). These will be played simultaneously, and the closer you get to one side, the less audible the opposing sounds become. The techniques used to tie each element together may involve a drone or bass line which will be used in both compositions; and to set them apart, perhaps a strong percussive/electronic theme for the industry side, and a slow evolving ambient theme for the nature side.

Our goal is to present a balanced argument, and hopefully teach particular environmental issues that otherwise may have otherwise gone unnoticed or ignored."

(Each section changes at exactly the same time in each)

Nature Composition Sections:

00:00 - 01:20: Intro

01:20 - 03:28: Forest/Jungle

03:28 - 05:08: Ocean/Sea

05:08 - 05:55: Desert

05:55 - 07:20: Eurasia/East

07:20 - 09:12: Polar (Arctic/Antarctica)

09:12 - 10:00: Outro

Industry Composition Sections:

00:00 - 01:20: Intro

01:20 - 03:28: Transport

03:28 - 05:08: Machinery

05:08 - 05:55: Factories

05:55 - 07:20: War

07:20 - 09:12: Communications

09:12 - 10:00: Outro


PRESENTATION

The music you have just heard is an extract from the compositional soundscape mix. In the installation both pieces were separated and played on either side of the room, creating an aural environment intended to fill the entire space. As a group, we made the decision early on to produce two compositions which were reflective of our philosophy; and capable of depicting Nature and Industry in both positive and negative lights.

Each composition lasts 10 minutes, and has been specifically designed to loop. We felt it was important to remove any essence of finality to the installation, allowing each piece to develop and evolve over time without concluding. Both compositions consist of a series of sections relating to a particular aspect of either side, these sections change at the same time in both compositions. We intended to show both the positive and negative aspects of industry and nature, with each piece containing major and minor sections; reflective of the adapting cultural and natural world.

What you hear now is the result of a fantastic group effort. I'm especially pleased with how it turned out, and the professional standard each member of our group had.

Music copyright: University Of Portsmouth

http://www.port.ac.uk