the facility of the other

The facility of the other is the title of an interactive sound installation that turns the act of listening into a collaboration, by exposing layers of its multi-layered composition based on the number of its listeners.

One can hear the composition by holding a metal bowl against sets of double springs that are stretched on stands throughout the exhibition space. The composition is transmitted through the metal springs in form of mechanical vibration and is amplified inside the bowl, and so one has to put one’s face inside the metal sphere to hear the piece. Moreover, as the metal bowl connects the two springs in each set, it triggers a corresponding layer of the composition to be added to the sound that is being heard throughout all springs.

By pushing one’s face inside a confined metal sphere, The Facility of The Other first detaches one from the other, then amplifies the presence of the other by revealing more of its content as others join. By linking a solitary action to a group experience, this work invites one to appreciate the act of perceiving that is done by the other.

 
photos
tech rider

The installation consists of stands holding double springs and fitted with transducers. Their lengths vary between 1 to 2 meters, and one central computer will be set up and covered at site with cables running to each spring set. Moreover, metal bowls of 40 cm diameter will be available by each spring set for audience to hold while listening to the piece.

required components provided by artist:

  • sets of double springs
  • 1 laptop + micro-controller board
  • data cable and audio cable
  • audio amplifiers
  • transducers
  • metal bowls

required equipments/service provided by the venue:

  • Single on/off switch operator
  • Power extensions and power strips