Absorption and Reflection

Forced perspective

Forced perspective is used in several art forms, including film, photography and architecture. By manipulation of the relative sizes, colours etc. of objects, the experienced distance can be made to increase. Traditionally, visual cues have been given much attention, but sound can also be used. Here, a waterfall in Ginkaku-ji, recorded from two different angles to illustrate the effect. The distance to the fall is similar in both locations, but because sound is attenuated by topography from the second location, the distance may seem further than it actually is.

Walking and cycling tunnel

The reflections of the tunnel creates a strong boost and a clear, almost musical tone when the bikes passes. The sound response provides an interaction with the architecture;  you can often hear children and others try the acoustics with different exclamations. How does concrete sound?

Absorption and reflection

Documentation of a central square area with and without snow. The traffic intensity was similar on both occasions.

Snow absorbs sounds, and so does for example soil and peat. A greener city will therefore involve a lower background noise and create better conditions for a more relevant audio environment, where completely new sounds will be able to come out.

Water wall

Water falls directly against hard material which creates a relatively high-frequency sound. The sound is reflected and reinforced against the wall, and once again toned  by the material.

Solbjerg Plads, Köpenhamn