Interactive sound sculpture that transforms urban noise into a dynamic, evolving symphony, connecting the city’s history and future through generative sound.
Metropolitan Symphony is an interactive sound sculpture that transforms the sounds and voices of the city into a dynamic symphonic experience. Installed in two distinct locations in Bangkok—one within the newly developed district of One Bangkok and the other positioned in front of the historical landmark The Wireless House—the two sculptures, Metropolitan Symphony #1 and Metropolitan Symphony #2, are designed to communicate with each other, creating a dynamic sonic dialogue between the city’s future and its past.
Inspired by orchestral instruments such as trumpets and horns, the sculptures are designed to resonate with the urban environment at One Bangkok, located in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The installation captures ambient city noises and the voices of passersby, processes them in real time using generative software, and emits transformed sounds—creating a unique interplay between the city and its inhabitants. This reimagines the urban soundscape as a harmonious and evolving symphony, inviting participants to both listen and contribute.
The soundscape consists of a carefully composed blend of environmental recordings and human vocal elements—most notably fragments of Thai language—reflecting the historical resonance of The Wireless House as one of the first communication hubs in the region. The generative nature of the installation ensures that the composition remains fluid and non-repetitive, echoing the organic unpredictability of the urban environment. Inspired by Brian Eno’s concept of ambient music as "ignorable as it is interesting," the work fosters cognitive engagement and emotional comfort by encouraging deep listening without demanding attention. Research suggests that exposure to complex, evolving soundscapes can reduce stress and enhance focus—transforming the installation into a form of sonic acupuncture that reshapes the auditory fabric of the city.
The two sculptures engage in a continuous sonic exchange, with sound elements from Metropolitan Symphony #1 and Metropolitan Symphony #2 being transmitted and modulated in real time. This creates a living dialogue between the two sites, reflecting the tension and harmony between tradition and modernity, reinforcing the city’s identity as a place where history and innovation coexist. The title Metropolitan Symphony is also a tribute to cultural references such as Pizzicato Five’s iconic music and classic pre-war Berlin films, capturing the fusion of modernity, nostalgia, and the vibrancy of urban life. This convergence of past and present, East and West, tradition and experimentation, transforms the sculptures into a bridge between sound and memory—a meditation on the evolving nature of urban identity.
Metropolitan Symphony is not simply a sound installation—it is a living, breathing dialogue between the city and its people, transforming the everyday noise of urban life into a contemplative and emotionally resonant experience.
