HE Yuqi and Lai Ka Man Mid Semester

Beach

Our artistic project revolves around the captivating realm of ambisonic field recording. Drawing inspiration from Hildegard Westerkamp’s transformative work, “Transformation,” We embarked on a sonic exploration, capturing the contrasting sounds of the bustling city and the serene seaside beach in the unique metropolis of Hong Kong. This project delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and nature, where conflicts and harmonious coexistence intertwine.

 

Hong Kong, with its remarkable urban landscape, stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of progress. The city’s insatiable appetite for growth has led to the reclamation of land from the sea, resulting in an ever-expanding concrete jungle. It is within this context that our project finds its roots—a reflection on the tension and merging of human-made structures and the natural environment.

 

Through careful field recording techniques, we captured the diverse soundscape of Hong Kong, encompassing the vibrant energy of the city streets and the soothing melodies of the seaside. Each audio track represents a distinct facet of this multifaceted environment, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the contrasting atmospheres. The city sounds serve as a testament to human activity, encapsulating the constant movement, bustling crowds, and urban rhythms. In contrast, the seaside beach sounds offer a respite—a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos—a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between nature and the city.

 

During the editing process, we approached the soundscapes with a meticulous focus on the connections between each audio track, aiming to create seamless transformations that remain imperceptible to the listener. Every sound element was carefully blended into another, emphasizing the fluidity and interconnectedness of the city and the seaside. By blurring the boundaries between the contrasting soundscapes, we sought to highlight the coexistence and perpetual adaptation between human-made structures and the natural world.

 

In this project, the medium of ambisonic field recording became a powerful tool for storytelling and introspection. The immersive nature of ambisonic sound allowed me to transport the listener into this dynamic audio landscape, inviting them to experience the complex interplay between urbanization and the timeless rhythms of nature. Through this sonic journey, we hope to provoke contemplation and a renewed appreciation for the delicate balance between human progress and the preservation of the natural environment.