Bass Pavilion
At the lowest limits of the audio spectrum we encounter what is known or felt as Infra sound, too low to hear detectable only as vibration. I propose to build a large scale work to be sited outdoors entitled Bass Pavilion. The structure a modest architectural space will be larger enough to enter, able to accommodate multiple persons and accessible twenty four hours a day seven days a week for one month during its first incarnation at UC San Diego. The primarily site is a temporary vacant concrete slab adjacent to UC San Diego Visual Arts Facility available during a buildings relocation this coming year.
Concept
Presented and positioned so that its physical front -an entrance way, a Goliath mouth appears to on lookers as some type of shelter or man made cave. Passers by may enter this apparently open free space, sheltered from the elements and surrounding landscape. However the primary operation of this device is the invisible and silent function of emitting low frequency sound, able to project deep into the surrounding space. Unknowing to its visitors they have just stumbled into some kind of vast mouth and trigger discreet sensors hooked up to computer controlled sound equipment.
A giant single twenty four inch speaker unit is logged at the end of this contorted seemingly endless labyrinth. Out of site and reach its is coupled to the space they occupy, once activated it begins to radiate twenty cycles a second of pure unadulterated sine wave. At the limits of perceptual hearing range we encounter something more devastating than what was ever audible.
This structure is a monolithic horn, to large to see from one vantage point, its full length masked by its many folds. It is powerful enough submerge its inhabitants and surrounding area in an invisible field of vibration. A physical experience akin to the metallic resonance ( serve shuddering ) felt on the sub sea deck of a cross channel car ferry, perhaps a change in barometric pressure or even seismic event.
Design
The aim of this project is that with the merging of both more traditional and computer based practices we are able to execute new forms resulting in increased sensory experience. In order to design and build such a structure the interior and exterior spaces must adhere to the precise laws than govern acoustic principals. The unique form that will be the Bass Pavilion- a folded tapered labyrinth follows the theoretical laws of acoustics and is the product of much complex calculation. Performing complex acoustical calculations on a computer is very recent feat of technology and has only just become available and in widespread use. The design is an exact process demanding the meshing of several worlds both numeric, digital and physical in order for it to be realized successfully.
Structure
Bass Pavilion will comprise of two stark physical structural elements.
The choice of materials and profile is essential in providing a resonant
free environment for the faithful reproduction of sound. Its physical
appearance can be considered secondary to its function. Readily available
economic and recyclable materials are to be used throughout.
Timber is acoustically 'dead ' and is the ideal choice for a standard
speaker cabinet and instrument construction. The primary element is a
complex geometrical form of baffles (labyrinth) which demarcates and
interior and exterior space. The labyrinth must be durable, stronger
enough to support large numbers of visitors in unison if necessary, whilst
occupying different parts of the internal chamber. Comprised of timber
sheeting it will be delicately suspended within a skeletal steel framework.
The steel frame work will provide a visually and physically light solution
to the supportive needs of the labyrinth. Despite the Bass Pavilion visual
rigidity it is designed as a mobile modular free standing entity not
site dependent or restricted to one 'showing ', instead able to be easily
transported and reconstructed at other UC campuses and off campus sites
either as a stand alone installation or making a presence at larger collaborative
acoustical events.
Construction
The construction of Bass Pavilion although relatively simple will demand some special tools (plant equipment ie small fork truck) and some construction expertise. Precise angles, structural integrity and air tightness (apart from at the entrance) is of the upmost importance in order for it to 'work'.
Upon completion the work is intended to challenge its visitors. The viewer once rewarded with shelter and guarded from what is radiated by nature outside- the elements being Sun and Wind, must negotiate a space of exponentially increasing confinement. Simultaneously enveloped on all axis by a perceptually distorted space and power relations it bears the viewer is further reverberated by what cannot be seen or grasped- an intangible force, a space of parametric confrontation.
