chiara onida: the domestic soundscape

as her final project of her MA studies from the industrial design program from central saint martins, london, chiara onida developed ‘the domestic soundscape’, a collection of objects that explores the possibilities of using sound and rhythm to celebrate the small rituals of everyday domestic activities.

her aim with the project was to create awareness about the information and emotions we draw from everyday sounds and rhythms, by surprising the user with unexpected sonic experiences.  ‘the domestic soundscape’ consists of three sets of objects, one of which is a selection of glasses and carafes under the names of: ‘if john only knew’, ‘piano-forte-mezzoforte’ and ‘incalmi’. these glass objects are recognizable typologies that necessitate a performative interaction by which the user can generate sounds that differ from expected ones. the outcomes are unpredictable since they vary according to the movement of the liquid moving into and from the vessels. the general aesthetics of the items suggest that they are not simply functional and reflect the atypical sounds which they create.

‘piano-forte-mezzoforte’

‘piano-forte-mezzoforte’ is a water carafe in a clear glass (210mm x 200mm). the carafe has three spouts with three different openings that vary in dimensions and shapes. when pouring, the flow of the water changes according to the spout the water is going through, creating a different sound whenever it meets the glass.

‘piano-forte-mezzoforte’ in use

‘if john only knew’

‘if john only knew’ is made up of a carafe(230mmx270mmx190mm), water (70mmx250mm) and wine glass (65mmx235mm) influenced by j. cage’s ‘inlets’ (1977). the set makes unpredictable sounds according to the movement of liquid contained inside them. the carafe has a main body which is attached to five smaller chambers. when the water starts filling the carafe, it moves from the main body into the smaller parts generating a ‘bubbly’ sound.

‘if john only knew’ in use

‘incalmi’

‘incalmi’ aims to change our established perception on sounds in relation to objects. the color and clear glass are produced using the venetian technique called ‘incalmo’ where two elements with different colors are blown to be joined together in a single object.

‘incalmi’

all of the pieces are one offs, made by jochen holz in the UK. ‘the domestic soundscape’ will be presented at the mint gallery during london design week 2010, from september 18th – 30th.