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.
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