Sound of a Room: Memory and the Auditory Presence of Place

The Sound of a Room explores the sonic aesthetics of our lived environments,using field recordings to consider how they interact with our ideas of self,sense of creativity,and memories. It advocates an awareness born of deep listening and offers practical and poetic insights for researchers, practitioners, and students of sound.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Sound of a Room delves into the intricate relationship between the sounds of our surroundings and our perceptions, experiences, and memories. Through a series of location-based case studies, the author employs his own field recordings as a springboard to examine the fundamental inquiries surrounding how sonic environments shape our notions of self, sense of creativity, and memories. By advocating for a heightened sense of listening, the book offers practical and poetic insights for researchers, practitioners, and students of sound.

The author begins by exploring the acoustic properties of various spaces, such as homes, offices, and public places, and how they influence our emotional states and cognitive processes. He notes that the sounds of a room can evoke a range of emotions, from calm and peaceful to tense and anxious, and that these emotions can be influenced by factors such as the size, shape, and materials of the space.

The author then delves into the ways in which sound can shape our experiences and memories. He argues that the sounds of our surroundings can become embedded in our memories and can be triggered by certain sensory cues, such as familiar scents or sounds. For example, the sound of a waterfall or the smell of a particular flower may be associated with a specific memory or experience, and can evoke a sense of nostalgia or longing.

The author also explores the role of sound in creativity and innovation. He argues that the sounds of our surroundings can inspire and stimulate our creativity, and that the ability to listen deeply and attentively can be a valuable tool for artists, musicians, and designers. He provides examples of how sound has been used in the past to create works of art, music, and design, and how it can continue to be used in the future to create new and innovative forms of expression.

Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the importance of a deep and attentive listening practice. He encourages readers to slow down and pay attention to the sounds of their surroundings, to observe the subtle nuances and variations in sound, and to consider how these sounds interact with their own experiences and perceptions. He also provides practical tips for recording and analyzing sound, and for using sound in creative and therapeutic contexts.

In conclusion, The Sound of a Room offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the relationship between the sounds of our surroundings and our perceptions, experiences, and memories. By advocating for a heightened sense of listening and providing practical and poetic insights, the book offers valuable resources for researchers, practitioners, and students of sound. Whether you are interested in the aesthetics of sound, the impact of sound on our emotions and cognition, or the role of sound in creativity and innovation, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the world around you and the ways in which sound shapes our lives.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367463359