Astronaut Surround score for full dome 360 degree immersive projection, National Space Centre and distributed to planetaria worldwide by the US market leaders Spitz Inc & Sky-Skan Inc (viewed by over 300,000 world-wide)
Date
2006-07-06
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Peer reviewed
Abstract
Description
This is the first Full Dome programme (entire 360 degree immersive projection) to be created in Europe, specifically for planetarium viewing. My score and sound design represent a radical departure from conventional Dolby type surround sound by utilising a newly developed methodology ‘collateral sonics’, a phrase I coined as it encapsulates the idea of creating circles within circles of sound from a multiplicity of peripheral acoustic spaces reconfigured for frameless viewing.
With a research grant of £15,000 from the Arts Council I was able to develop a proof of concept prototype and with access to NSC Full Dome Planetarium develop a systematic programme of trials, tests and evaluations that went into establishing perceptual acoustic models ranging from extreme claustrophobia to spatial infinity.
In addition, it enabled the development of music as a series of enclosed architectural acoustic spaces through which points of sound could be choreographed.
For instance, the opening two minutes of the Astronaut score demonstrates how the construct of music and ambient acoustic are composed as interdependent elements for creating immersive spheres of experience.
The programme has been well received by the public and industry - particularly when shown at the annual Full Dome Conference in Melbourne Australia in August 2006, where the delegate panel specifically commented on the seamless integration of the score and sound design.
“ …the score is by Pip Greasley, one of the UK’s most intriguing sonic artists … just to hear Astronaut is well worth the price of admission.” International Planetarium Society
The methodologies established for this emerging art form anticipates a new and exciting potential for a rich variety of art and entertainment applications in the future.
On the strength of this research outcome, Adventure Science, Nashville USA, have commissioned a ‘collateral’ sound score for their new Planetarium, opening Summer 2008.
Keywords
RAE 2008, UoA 63 Art and Design