In Singapore’s National Design Centre, Audio Spotlight directional sound is the primary feature in an exhibit that shows visitors how people with dementia might perceive sound. The exhibition utilizes two different types of speakers – omni-directional speakers as well as highly directional Audio Spotlight speakers. The speakers are mounted on rotatable panels that visitors can rotate to direct sound and reflect sound toward different nearby surfaces. According to the exhibit’s designers, these actions create an ever-evolving sonic environment, which is unique for each visitor.
The exhibit was installed by Holosonics’ partner Arup in conjunction with BLOXAS Architects, and DesignSingapore Council.
The DesignSingapore Council describes the ‘Sound Field’ exhibit as “an immersive, interactive and experimental installation aimed at raising awareness of the role of sound in urban design and to simulate what it might feel like to live with dementia. A soundscape of Singapore city has been created, ranging from the home environment to public spaces, where it is possible to study how sounds may become disorientating and confusing.”
According to Nick Boulter, Associate Principle at Arup, “The Audio Spotlight technology that went into the installation was critical to its success. By including these highly-directional loudspeakers… we were able to create a complex series of sound zones, which moved as visitors interacted with the rotating elements housing the various loudspeakers. We deliberately orientated the installation to encourage reflections off vertical surfaces so that visitors were presented with everyday sounds that were somehow familiar but also disorientating in the way that they appeared to come from many different directions.”
The purpose of the exhibit is to make architects and designers aware of how difficult it is for people with dementia to function in public spaces, and what can be done to make such spaces a more pleasant experience for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
AUDIO SPOTLIGHT IN ACTION
Audio Spotlight is a revolutionary audio technology that creates sound in a narrow beam, just like light. Aim the flat, thin speaker panel to your desired listening area, and provide all of the sound and none of the noise.™ From museums, exhibits, and digital signage to retail stores and special projects, hundreds of companies have chosen this patented technology to provide high-quality, precisely controlled sound, while preserving the quiet.™
