This project explores the changing soundscape of the Arctic. Unlike visual materials, sound offers aunique perspective on ecological shifts caused by human activity. The melting and shifting ice, the disruption of whale communication by ship engine noise, and the uncanny sounds hinting at human impact reveal a transforming Arctic. As natural sounds gradually disappear, they are replaced by artificial noise, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action.
The goal of this project is to archive the Arctic soundscape, capturing these unsettling sounds that often clash with visual perceptions. The outpost features a listening chamber for real-time monitoring and a viewing chamber for artistic creations inspired by sound. Its design reflects the irregular forms of icebergs, characterized by diverse angles and perforated metal surfaces symbolizing the diffusion of sound.
To maximize its impact, the archive center is located in Tribeca, New York, a rapidly growing hub for experimental art and music. Designed as a live institution, the archive reflects the qualities of sound—its ability to travel, overlap, and engage—and remains open to the public. Flexible sound cells and adaptive façades accommodate various programs, offering dynamic experiences and gathering spaces.
This archive center aims to merge sound, art, and community, fostering environmental dialogue while becoming a space for reflection on the changing Arctic and a catalyst for collective action.
