FUNtain Hydraulophone at Ontario Science Center – Steve Mann

The world’s largest hydraulophone is found outside Ontario Science Center in Toronto, Canada. Visitors can play on the sculpture, which appears to be a fusion between a flute and a fountain. By supressing different parts of the water flow, the pressure is changed, and tones are produced in the large metallic tubes. The installation, with its two “keys”, provides an environment for interaction between people as well as between water and sound.
Movieclip about the origin of the hydraulophone. Author: Steve Mann, Professor, Inventor and Musician.

Focus on sound

Planning the urban environment provides good opportunities to influence the soundscape. We can create conditions for a rich, varying and relevant audio environment, supporting the activities available. Traffic noise can be limited by, e.g., aesthetically pleasing shields, material selection, strategic planning and/or reduced speeds. Reduced noise in the city opens up for a more relevant and positive sound experience. Sounds can also be amplified, added or stimulated to strengthen a specific location.