The Observational Soundscape (above left and right, video below) is a series of sound installation works by Zach Poff and N.B. Aldrich which consists of custom software, a video camera and microphones. Together these convert:

the activity of a space into a continually changing soundscape whose form and content reflect the visual and aural phenomena observed in the area. Every detected change in the physical space impacts the piece in some way: sometimes generating audio material and sometimes creating structural variation.

The software translates the trends of color, density and motion from the video camera into the timing, pitch, and spatial characteristics of an audio environment. In some versions of the installation there are microphones which allow ambient sounds to become part of the material used by the instrument. The result is broadcast through 4 speakers in the space.

Above: The Observational Soundscape II: Cooper

The videos above and below show differing layouts of the installation and as a result differing results on screen. Above the space captured on camera is a corridor which only allows movement in two directions causing the onscreen imagery and sounds created to be almost bi-polar, opposites, and play on aspects such as approaching and retreating mapping to sound levels raising and lowering. Below the space captured is a foyer or possibly intersection between different spaces so the flow of movement between these space and through the installation space is more varied resulting in potentially more varied audio and visuals. In a sense the installation functions as both an immediate audio-visual experience for the users of the space (and as a result the installation) but also over time a means of mapping the spaces patterns of use.

Above: The Observational Soundscape III: Bates