RSA Transformation Station Aurally There
Design Strategy
Aurally There is an unsubmitted design for the RSA Competition that reimagines small-town train stations by transforming them into "gateways" that tell the story of a community through a dynamic soundscape. The core concept is to use subtle, layered audio to combat the impersonal nature of transit hubs and instead, foster a deeper, more intimate connection to the local area. Instead of a loud broadcast, the installation uses sculptural objects, called "Resonators," that act as private listening chambers. Users are encouraged to lean in, creating a personal and deliberate experience that mirrors the nostalgic act of holding a seashell to one's ear. This design's appeal lies in its "Intimacy Through Proximity" principle, which turns a public space into a private, auditory moment of discovery.
Functionality and Local Integration
The Aurally There installation uses an algorithmic sound system to create a unique and ever-changing auditory experience. The soundscapes are not simple loops; they are layered audio narratives that evolve based on time of day, season, and even live local data. For example, a morning soundscape might include the sounds of a local bakery, while an evening mix could feature a music venue warming up. The physical design of each Resonator is also unique to its community, using locally-sourced aesthetics to distinguish it from a generic installation. When a user leans into one of these sound machines, a proximity sensor activates a curated sound library. These libraries contain local sounds like the ringing of a bookshop bell, the sizzle of a cafe grill, or the cheers from a nearby football game. The machine's shape is acoustically engineered to focus the sound towards the user's ear, blocking out the noise of the station and amplifying the gentle, soothing soundscape within. This opt-in experience respects the environment and those who prefer not to interact, creating a subtle and beautiful integration of sound, art, and community identity.
Ideation
Prototype + Testing
Inspired by the shape of a trumpet, the initial prototype served as a whimsical vessel for sound. The goal was to test how a speaker could be housed to contain and direct sound, creating an intimate listening experience that wouldn't disturb a quiet space. I experimented with a variety of soundscapes, from the gentle rustling of a bookshop to the dramatic rumble of a storm, and even the peaceful trickle of a small creek. This clever little prototype was a huge help, paving the way for me to dream up and design all sorts of unique and interchangeable forms.
Design Future
A natural evolution for this project is to create a mobile, user-generated platform. Instead of just featuring stories from a single town, the project could expand to allow anyone to record and share a sound that represents their own community or personal story. This could take the form of a mobile app where users can record sounds, geotag them to a specific location, and add a brief written story. This would transform the installation from a curated exhibit into a living, crowdsourced archive of community sounds.
Another direction could be to develop a "sound-mapping" feature. Users could explore a map filled with these sound snippets, allowing them to virtually "walk" through different communities by listening to the sounds and stories shared by residents.