Sound Playground: Consciousness and Soundscape Design in Experiential Environments

Jami Sparano
Exhibition and Experience Design

About this Item

Title
Sound Playground: Consciousness and Soundscape Design in Experiential Environments
Contributor Names
Sparano, Jami (Author)
Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. Exhibition and Experience Design (Degree granting institution)
Lyons, Christina (Thesis advisor)
Carlson, Brooke (Thesis advisor)
Date
2022
Degree Information
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2022.
Department: Exhibition and Experience Design.
Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 84-08.
Advisors: Lyons, Christina; Carlson, Brooke.
Committee members: Cowen, Brenda.
Abstract
This paper occurs in two parts. Part one contains theory and research, whereas part two synthesizes the theory and research into an applicatory museum exhibition design.
Part one’s research component involves the impact sound frequencies have on human consciousness. This component is present in order for readers and designers to understand how soundscapes can be utilized for greater influence on audience behaviors and experiential outcomes within built environments than when soundscapes are not utilized.
Consciousness is a broad term, but for the sake of this analysis, the concept is confined to the definition of “the function of the human mind that receives and processes information, crystallizes it and then stores it or rejects it with the help the five senses, the reasoning ability of the mind, imagination, emotion, and memory”. This definition, henceforth, will set the boundaries within which sound and sound frequencies will be evaluated in their capacities to have an impact along psychological and neurological fronts.
Frequencies detail the underpinnings of sound that depict its physical form(s) as well as elicit neurological response(s). Formally, frequencies are defined as the “number of times per second that a sound pressure wave repeats itself”. For the sake of this research, it is important to view sound through a lens that limits it to minimalistic structure(s) to better understand what specific properties of a soundscape, designed or otherwise, are causing behavioral effects.
Part two takes this research and applies it to an exhibit geared toward participants who are children where designated audiences may learn the different facets of sound’s influence through means which align with the previous standards of consciousness as it was defined. The applied project incorporates a fully considered, 3D exhibition space that contains a graphic system, custom playground-style equipment, tactile elements, reactive light and sound elements, necessary materiality, and fabrication detailing of each element.
Subject
Design
Acoustics
Psychology
Exhibitions
Psychoacoustics
Sound
Soundscapes (Music)
Rights
In Copyright
The copyright for this work is held by its author/creator(s). Usage of this material beyond what is permitted by copyright law must first be cleared with the rights-holder(s). This work has been made available online by the Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Marcus Library strictly for research and educational purposes. If you are the copyright holder for this work and have any objections to this work being made available online, please notify us immediately at [email protected].
This item must not be sold to any third party vendors.
Identifier
FIT Repository ID: etd_000919
pqdiss: 30247349
ISBN: 9798371975218
Related Materials
Also available from ProQuest
Type
Text
Thesis
Language
English
Publisher
Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses,

Citation

Sparano, J. (2022). Sound Playground: Consciousness and Soundscape Design in Experiential Environments [Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York]. FIT Institutional Repository. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/28956
Sparano, Jami. Sound Playground: Consciousness and Soundscape Design in Experiential Environments. 2022. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, Master's thesis. FIT Digital Repository, https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/28956
Sparano, Jami. "Sound Playground: Consciousness and Soundscape Design in Experiential Environments." Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, 2022. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/28956