In this project, I am interested in capturing the unique sounds of Singapore which often go unnoticed and are sometimes slighted due to their frequent everydayness. These sounds shape the daily acoustic environment of Singapore. The beeps of MRT doors closing, the chatter of birds on Orchard road, the frequent bus taps, the walk signal prompts and even the quietness of the Botanic gardens, together are a part of the Singapore Soundscapes – a combination of natural and human sounds that signal and communicate, movement, energy, flow, speed and functioning.These environmental acoustics are signals that interact with the larger community and represent the working constructs of the city. An audible impression of functioning civic bodies indicating a culture invested towards public safety and well-being. Moreover, these sounds, over some time, evoke a sense of nostalgia and a sense of belonging. Using the techniques of 3D printing, I aim to memorialize the unique sounds of our island city and represent them as visual objects – a reminder of dynamism, vitality and momentum of a well-functioning cityscape. These technologically created sculptures, with their unique pitches and slopes partake from the city’s colorful heritage and delight the viewer with a vibrant display on reflective surfaces, accompanied by their recorded audio notes.

The process involves capturing and refining the sounds through mobile phone recordings which are then converted to images. These images are then extruded and reworked to form 3D objects. The documentation includes photographs, videos and audio grabs of the spaces from where the sounds have been captured.

1. Botanic Gardens
2. Grasscutters
3. Bus Bell
4. MRT
5. Walking Beep Sounds
6. Orchard Road Birds
7. I love you Singapore