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Sound Environment Workshop – Audio Graffiti

Audio Graffiti Project

Audio Graffiti project was developed as part of Roland Cahen’s sound art workshop between 7 and 11 September 2009 at Computer Music and Technology department at Sibelius Academy Finland. Concept and design was developed by Matti Luhtala and Jari Suominen. Workshop outcomes were published in 14 September at old railroad tunnel redefining the previously forbidden space. If you ever happen to visit old rail road tunnel between two parliament houses you might recognize electric bird phenom.

For creating your own Audio Graffiti you need the following components

- Copper tape
- Foil tape
- Electronic components (please see schematic for more information)
- Sun shine

Our graffiti schematic is based on Ralf Schreiber’s Solar Sound Module schematic design. For adapting it to our needs we designed schematic according to Pablo Picasso’s Dove on Peace art work. The dove shape was done with template. Attaching electronic components we used conductive copper and foil tape. Copper tape with conductive glue is great since soldering is not required for making joints and attaching component legs. Just tape and go. On below is our initial plan for making the shape. Schematic shape attached on the wall was slightly different than initial plan.

Audio graffiti bird schematic and references

And this is how it might sound if light conditions are suitable (an example by Ralf Schreiber):

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Audio Graffiti Concept

Audio graffiti project consists of multiple audio graffiti units which user can place freely in chosen public urban or rural environment. The Audio graffiti project aims at researching what kinds of possibilities individual – as a sound environment co-inhabitant – has for affecting surrounding sound environment. The project also seeks to question whose is in charge of the sound environment.

The project aims to follow Graffiti Research Lab’s philosophy – to explore how technology can contribute to street art and urban communication and empower individuals to creatively alter and reclaim their surroundings. The project aims to provide an easy step DIY manual for low cost open source Audio graffiti’s. The only requirement is that the person has a basic knowledge of electricity.

Technical Setting and Sound Out Put

The audio graffiti consists of piezo speaker, required oscillators, amplifiers and other electric components and solar panel. Shaped schematic can be made of conductive tape or paint.

The audio graffiti can be used as sole or user can place multiple units. Placement of the units in relation to each other depends only on the user. The assumption for this project is that different environments will benefit from various new kinds of sound outputs. We hypothesize that in this way the spatial experience can be more recognizable, aesthetic and joy full.