Vilnius City Noisescapes
Vilnius City NoisescapesInteractive Noise Pollution Audiovisualizer
This creative assignment sheds light on the growing issue of noise pollution and emphasizes the importance of visualizing it to raise awareness of its impact. The project, ‘Interactive Noise Audiovisualization System: Vilnius City Noisescapes,’ focuses on six districts in Vilnius to identify which areas are most and least affected by noise. Since noise pollution peaks during rush hours (8-9 am and 6-7 pm), data collection and documentation were crucial elements. The recorded audio data was then integrated into a node-based audiovisualization system, allowing the visualization of noise level fluctuations across the selected districts.
It was also quite important to choose the right visual expression to showcase the harmfulness of noise. The main guide and influence that helped to formulate a visual expression was ‘Form Follows Function’ design principle. Having this principle in mind a sphere that evoke feelings of calmness and harmony, particularly its structure that is being constantly affected by the previously recorded outside noise were chosen to be the main visual element along the corresponding volume, location and time stats.
By engaging in this type of assignment, students can develop the ability to visualize or represent ‘dynamic data’, such as audio, signals of sensors, etc., whether it's content they've recorded themselves or sourced from other places. They will also gain a deeper understanding of the value of collecting their own authentic materials.
Description
This creative assignment, rooted in the material from a master’s thesis, revolves around the lack of contextual coverage on environmental issues, particularly noise pollution, across content platforms. It introduces students to practical techniques for visualizing dynamic data, such as audio signals, through real-world examples. The project, ‘Interactive Noise Audiovisualization System: Vilnius City Noisescapes,’ is an educational tool that guides students in collecting and interpreting environmental data, focusing on how noise pollution fluctuates across different districts and rush hour times. By incorporating the ‘Form Follows Function’ design principle, students are encouraged to use design thinking and analytical skills to communicate the harmful effects of noise. A sphere was chosen as the central visual element due to its ability to represent calmness and harmony, but also because its structure can visually display the disruptive effects of noise pollution. As the sphere is impacted by audio data, its structure deteriorates, effectively illustrating the environmental degradation caused by rising noise levels.
Through this assignment, students develop technical competencies in audiovisualization systems, as well as critical thinking and environmental awareness. They learn to apply design principles effectively, creating visuals that not only represent complex data but also raise public awareness. The educational value lies in its interdisciplinary nature, integrating elements of environmental science, data analysis, and art, fostering students’ abilities to address real-world challenges creatively. The assignment promotes values like authenticity, social responsibility, and the role of art in activism. By engaging with data-driven media art, students learn how design and digital media can be powerful tools in environmental advocacy. The project ties into everyday experiences of urban noise pollution, making it relevant and accessible, with clear learning objectives that focus on data visualization, design ethics, and environmental consciousness.
Tasks and specific work steps
It is designed to be adaptable for individual work, partner work, or small group projects (up to 3 members). By allowing flexibility in collaboration, students can focus on their unique vision individually or benefit from the exchange of ideas within a team. The goal is to introduce students to the process of visualizing dynamic environmental data — specifically noise pollution — through the use of software and audio recordings. By gathering their own data and transforming it into meaningful visual representations, students will gain practical and creative experience.
The project is divided into two main phases: data capture and data audiovisualization system development. In the data capture phase, students are given 1-2 days to record environmental noise in a context of their choice, such as urban noise pollution, nature sounds, or seasonal and time-based changes in soundscapes. This flexible time frame allows students to explore and capture meaningful data. In the audiovisualization system development phase, students will spend 2-4 days using TouchDesigner to process their collected audio data, creating an audiovisual system that visually represents the impact of noise pollution. The system will illustrate the effects of the captured noise, and students are encouraged to draw from the provided tutorials and example systems to customize or create a completely new audiovisualizer, as I did in developing an audiovisualizer for the ‘Interactive Noise Audiovisualization System: Vilnius City Noisescapes’ project. The tutorial videos and the examples of the systems could be combined or used as a stepping stone to create an entirely new system.
An optional phase adds another layer of interactivity and complexity to the project. Students can create a button panel on a tablet or any type of display that allows them to switch between different datasets, such as the noise data captured at one location versus another or between different time frames. This feature allows for a more dynamic exploration of how noise pollution fluctuates across locations or time periods, offering deeper insights into the environmental impact of noise in various settings.
The materials required for this project are straightforward but effective. Students will need TouchDesigner to build their audiovisualizations, and for data collection, they can use a smartphone audio recording app or a dedicated microphone recorder to capture authentic environmental sound. The tutorials provided will offer clear, step-by-step guidance in using TouchDesigner, ensuring accessibility for students with varying levels of experience. The tutorial videos and the examples of the systems could be combined or used as a stepping stone to create an entirely new system (that is how I myself was able to develop a audiovisualizer for ‘Interactive Noise Audiovisualization System: Vilnius City Noisescapes’ project in the first place).
Through this assignment, students will learn a range of key skills. They will develop competencies in data collection, learning how to gather authentic audio data that reflects different types of noise pollution. They will also gain technical proficiency in audiovisualization, transforming their data into visual elements that effectively communicate the harmfulness of noise pollution. Design principles like ‘Form Follows Function’ will guide them in selecting appropriate visual representations, such as using a sphere whose structure deteriorates in response to noise data, effectively illustrating environmental degradation. This project will also enhance students’ critical thinking and environmental awareness, encouraging them to consider how art can be used as a tool for environmental activism.
The assessment criteria ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students’ work. Data collection will account for 20%, focusing on the quality and relevance of the recorded audio. The development of the audiovisualization system will comprise 40%, assessing the effective integration of data and the creativity of the visualization. Design and creativity will be worth 30%, with an emphasis on how well students apply design principles and deliver visually compelling projects. Finally, presentation and reflection will make up the remaining 10%, where students will explain their process and how their audiovisual system represents noise pollution. For those who opt to develop the interactive button panel, additional credit will be awarded for innovation and usability.
To implement this assignment effectively, students should be encouraged to explore and choose noise pollution contexts that resonate with them, leading to more personal and engaged work. Clear milestones should be provided to keep students on track, with peer reviews fostering collaborative learning. Tutorial support ensures that students of all skill levels can succeed. This project not only equips students with practical design and software skills but also teaches them how to use data and art as tools for raising environmental awareness.
Sources and References
— [Demo of my project]: https://youtu.be/E9_2hpx5Sho
— [How to make a VIDEO SWITCH]: #touchdesigner Tutorial #2: shows how to create a video switching button| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lppo7qSxg
— [Animating Camera Movement]: TouchDesigner Tips, Tricks and FAQs 7: showcases the use of height maps to create a change in surface/shape of a 3D object| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKkcYwiqT_g&list=PLkpyIbucianQpaBXUD16Mv4u_VYuWoD-G
— [Audio Reactive Instancing]: TouchDesigner Tutorial 008: Showcases how to manipulate height maps by an audio input| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSSSbq2YZcA
— [Audio-Reactive Visuals in TouchDesigner]: How to make audio-reactive visuals| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7sAomk2vR4
— [TouchDesigner Audio Reactive Eye]: for inspiration| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXJX0cTJUnE
— [Audio-reactive Video Playhead TouchDesigner]: for inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAqvZENdOdU
Images/Examples
Additional Information
Author’s encouragement
This assignment is enjoyable and relevant as it allows students to engage directly with their environment, fostering a personal connection to the pressing issue of noise pollution. By transforming collected audio data into visual representations using software like TouchDesigner, students blend creativity with technical skills, making the learning experience both motivating and meaningful. The project promotes critical thinking, as students analyze the effects of noise pollution in their communities and apply design principles such as ‘Form Follows Function.’ For teachers, this assignment offers interdisciplinary engagement, catering to diverse learning styles and encouraging collaboration. Moreover, it empowers students to become more aware of their surroundings and develop a sense of social responsibility. By addressing real-world issues through artistic means, students cultivate a proactive mindset, preparing them to advocate for positive change in their communities. Overall, this assignment effectively combines art, science, and technology, making it a valuable addition to the classroom.