Blue Moon by O+A

BLUE MOON IN NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Blue Moon by O+A was an intervention in the World Financial Center Plaza in New York City from May to August 2004. Sonic alchemists Bruce Odland and Sam Auinger created “tuning tubes” that converted city noise into music, broadcasting synchronized sounds through loudspeakers. The project was initiated by O+A, CREATIVETIME, World Financial Center, Arts and Events, and Battery Park City Authority.

May, 2004

CONTEXT

Bruce Odland and Sam Auinger, known as O+A, use three "tuning tubes" in North Cove Harbor to convert the noise of the city into music, which is broadcasted through five "cube" loudspeakers arranged in an arc on the plaza. The mix of tuning tubes changes key in response to the surrounding sounds of the city, resulting in a zone of synchronized harmonic sounds of the city. This intervention blends nature and harmony into the urban public space, resulting in a perceptual change in the way we view the environment [1].

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

The tuning tube creates an overtone sequence in response to surrounding sounds, with its length determining the fundamental tone. The harmonic sequence captured by a microphone within the tube evolves with the surrounding environment, while switches activate and deactivate the tubes on the harbor wall based on the Hudson River's water level, creating a dynamic soundscape [1]. The implementation of this sound intervention amplifies the changes occurring in the surroundings, enabling individuals to better perceive and comprehend their environment.

August, 2004

OBSERVATIONS

People tend to find this harmonized city noise less fatiguing and even meditative [1].

References

[1] Blue Moon by O+A. Retrieved 15th March 2023, from http://www.o-a.info/bluemoon/index.html

Entry submitted by: Xiaochao Chen