For the design of the speaker we are planning on using Blender to create a 3d model has been distorted by the impulse responses we collected at Westminster station. The shape will begin as a cuboid or an ellipsoid depending on what is possible with the CNC machine, and the pieces will be divided into 25 separate layers to construct a cabinet that is roughtly 45cm in height, with 18mm plywood. After processing the shape we are planning on constructing a miniature model using a laser cutter and 3mm plywood in order to test how to join the layers and support the structure of the speaker given the size of the center cavity.

I have been researching and creating sculptural works reflective of perception and space alongside sound, and the speaker is acting as a sculptural representation of a specific space. The model is fabricated to act as a visual representation of a corridor in Westminster tube staiton, and it calls into question how sound can be visualized. I also think about materiality in sound as it relates to this design, because sound is going to be used as a medium in constructing this speaker cabinet.

Saia, has been experimenting with speaker construction and acoustic design as it relates to the build of a speaker, whereas Matthew has been researching and experimenting with acoustic design with impulse response, and acoustic treatment in space. Saia’s experimentation with speaker design has been closely related to customization alongside specific environments and uses, which has contributed to this idea. We are going to use recycled speakers found by Saia, and an external amplifier.

Here are intial design notes from a meeting we had at the end of April, and a list of rough dimensions for the final fabrication.