TEMPESTUOUS VESSELS is an interactive sound installation that produces a sonic language through the synthesis of the erratic sounds of the sea and the sounds present in its environment (of the installation). The audience is invited to produce their own soundscapes by interacting with this hydra-sonic instrument.  The installation encourages viewers to explore the relationships between water, sound, and movement. In which the soundscape is generated based on the water level that's being detected by the water sensors. Viewers can manipulate the water levels in the two bowls by turning the turning tables on which they are placed, which then alters the sound generated by the installation. The audience can also choose to add or subtract water from the bowls. The first bowl, located on the left side of the beams forming a 'T', influences the sound of waves. Visitors can control the intensity and frequency of the waves by adjusting the water level in the bowl. The sound of waves is played from an audio file. The second bowl, located on the right side of the cross, influences the sound played back from the surroundings. Visitors can manipulate the water levels in this bowl to change the volume of the sound. The sounds of the surroundings are recorded by a microphone, and played back after a delay. The sounds produced by the installation are feeding back into the microphone creating a system that loops into itself until the water levels are altered. It's worth noting that having one sensor submerged will disturb the sound that the other bowl influences, creating an interesting interplay between the two.

 

Initially, the aim was to create a water-based, dynamic soundscape using water level sensors. However, designing the interaction with this vision was challenging. By prototyping with water level sensors and understanding the communication between Arduino and PD, it was deduced that more than one sensor can be used and different levels of water can trigger different variables of the sound. Furthermore, we designed this water-based acoustic instrument that increases the loudness of the sounds by interacting with the vessels. The sound increases as the water level rises in the vessel. This is a collaborative work developed by Pragya Jain and Rick Heemskerk, who worked on Arduino and PD, respectively, and designed the installation together in the context of the Sound, Space & Interaction course, taught by Edwin van der Heide.