Arena 2018, Canada, Kitchener

interactive sound sculpture as "Speakers Corner" for people to express themselves in public spaces

ARENA is a mobile interactive sound sculpture by Berlin-based artist Benoît Maubrey. ARENA is conceived in the shape of a small amphitheater, constructed with 320 recycled loudspeakers. The sculpture can function both as a mobile “Speakers Corner“ — a “hotspot“ for local participation and self-expression but also as a stage for small events and concerts.

ARENA is a mobile interactive sound sculpture by Berlin-based artist Benoît Maubrey. ARENA is conceived in the shape of a small amphitheater, constructed with 320 recycled loudspeakers. The sculpture can function both as a mobile “Speakers Corner“ — a “hotspot“ for local participation and self-expression but also as a stage for small events and concerts. The public, local artists, musicians, choral groups and organizations can participate by relaying songs and messages via Bluetooth and individual Smartphones, or by connecting their devices and instruments via a direct "line in." Additionally ARENA can be used as PA system for events, DJs, and small concerts. The volume is controllable via a mixing board, individual amplifiers and receivers situated in a small storage space nearby. ARENA won first prize at the Hacking Urban Furniture contest in 2017 (Institute for Art and Urbanistics, Berlin, Germany) as a public interactive sculpture. ARENA was constructed at Lot 42 in Kitchener and will debut at the True North Waterloo conference in May and installed in Carl Zehr Square at the Kitchener City Hall during the CAFKA biennial in May and June 2018. Public Interaction:The public can interact with ARENA in three ways: by calling a telephone number with automatic answering service (limited for 3 minutes) by logging on to the following Bluetooth addresses and playing music and messages: Belkin E 14; Belkin Song Stream BT F82... or simply by using the available microphone or plugging in an electric guitar or other electronic instrument into the line in jacks. Live Performance Program. on vimeo: https://vimeo.com/286767810 direct web link to artist’s web site: http://www.benoitmaubrey.com/?p=2806 The sculpture is transportable via 33’ flatbed truck.

http://www.benoitmaubrey.com/?p=2806

https://www.cafka.org/cafka18/arena

Details

Building or project owner : Benoit Maubrey

Architecture : Jan Fuhrmann

Project artist/ concept/ design/ planning : Benoit Maubrey

Structural engineering : Rex Lingwood, Jago Whitehead

Project co-ordination : Gordon Hatt

Interaction design/ programming : Johnny Camara

Project sponsor/ support : Cafka, Kitchener Canada

Descriptions

Facade type and geometry (structure) : Amphitheater structure

Urban situation : public space / City Hall Kitchener, Canada

Participatory architecture & urban interaction

Community or communities involved : the public, local arts organizations, and social communities

Host organization : Cafka, Kitchener Canada

Issues addressed : public speech, recycling awareness

Impact : interaction of local communities

Tools developed : App for people to call up and express themselves in a public space

Tools used : Bluetooth, smart phones, amplifiers, 320 reycled loudspeakers, e-waste, cables, microphone.

Next steps : further exhibition in other countries and cities

Mediacredits

B. Maubrey

B. Maubrey

B. Maubrey

Lea Clarin

B. Maubrey