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Sound Topographies

This is a manifestation of the city of Tehran, using its sound and space beyond a crystallized moment.

The aim of this project aims to experiment with a fluid set of actions concerning the design and interactivity through sound. Where the physical sound transforms into different mediums through digital design.

RoleComputational Form Designer
Fabrication & Assembly
ProductInstallation
Time1 week
Sound Topographies installation, lit up in purple Sound Topographies LED detail Sound Topographies plexiglass sequence detail

My Role

I recorded urban sounds from different districts of Tehran—sounds like water fountains, taxi drivers, people chatting, and more. After creating a collage of the sound waves in Waves application, I explored various algorithms in Grasshopper and generated a variety of forms based on the original sound collage.

Once the final form was selected and refined with input from tutors, I created sequences by slicing the form into sections in Rhino 3D. The AutoCAD files for the sequences and the plexiglass sheets were then sent to a lab for laser cutting. Working alongside other groups responsible for LED coding and sound mixing, we assembled the piece and later exhibited it at the CAAI Gallery.

Tehran Sounds map, recording locations across the city

Step 1: Sound Waves

Sound collage is made with sound waves recorded in different districts of Tehran.

Step 2: Creating the form

Sound waves transformed into 3D form in Grasshopper.

Step 3: Sequences

3D sound form sequences are measured in equal distances.

Sound waves, translated 3D sound form, and 3D sound form sequences diagram
Final Sound Topographies 3D wireframe form