This collaborative project with sound artist Mári Mákó reimagines acoustics from a problem to be solved into a medium for spatial exploration. In architecture, acoustics typically focuses on eliminating echoes or optimizing concert halls. Resonant Artifacts deliberately amplifies acoustic phenomena to transform the way we experience space, by creating analog acoustic artifacts that spark curiosity and invite exploration. 

Drawing inspiration from archaeoacoustics, a relatively new field studying the acoustic properties of archaeological sites and artifacts, we studied how past cultures shaped their environments for the human voice. Examples include resonant metal vessels in Greek theaters, acoustic jars embedded in French church walls, and massive acoustic mirrors one used by the British military.

Through a research-by-design-approach, we developed three resonant artifacts that each bring their own twist to sound: aluminum resonant cones that act as analog voice filters, wooden sound boxes revealing hidden acoustic qualities of different materials, and a portable sound mirror designed to reflect and focus sounds.

The project concluded in a session with Rotterdam'sSinging Club, 'anti choir' where participants enthusiastically engaged with our prototypes. This interaction revealed how these artifacts can encourage vocal experimentation and create playful immersive environments out of ordinary spaces. 

Special thanks to  Creative Industries Fund NL (Experiment Grant), Rotterdam Singing Club, OMI, Het Wilde Weten, Remy Wenmaekers, and Lilita Dunska