Sonic Waterfall
Sonic Waterfall
System design consultation
Soundscape creation
Multi-channel immersive audio
On-site install and programming
Commissioned by the Barbican Centre for the 2022 'Our Time On Earth' exhibition, Sonic Waterfall is a physical installation that uses sound and light to recreate the wellness benefits of exposure to a natural waterfall, relieving anxiety and creating a deep state of restoration, focus and reflection.
Listen to Sonic Waterfall
At the heart of the installation is a 5-metre-high waterfall structure that moves red noise frequencies and processed field recordings from high to low through 18 vertically stacked loudspeakers.
Red noise has higher energy - or volume - at lower frequencies, making it deeper than pink or white noise. This depth brings benefits with numerous applications, including helping people with dementia, calming hyperactive children, and aiding focus for studying.
The waterfall embodies our most critical life element: water, which keeps every living being on Earth alive. Every human, every animal, every plant.
Credits
Client: Barbican Centre
Curators: Luke Kemp + FranklinTill
Concept: Liam Paton + Nathan Prince
Sound Design: Liam Paton
Lighting Design: Nick Gray + George Hill
Audio System Consultant: Dom Chester