Noise Tide
"Noise Tide" is an interactive installation that combines my personal connection to the ocean, my Chinese culture heritage, and the cultural landscape of Auckland CBD, enriched by Māori traditions. Growing up in a coastal city in China, I have always been deeply connected to the sea. Now, living and studying in Auckland, a port city surrounded by the ocean, I see the significance of both the natural environment and the cultural values that are intertwined here.l the relevant details you want to share.
Sound Interactive Installation Design
The design of the installation is inspired by the traditional Chinese fish lantern, a craft I’ve adapted using methods passed down through generations. This reflects my cultural roots, but it is also influenced by the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship of the natural world. In Māori culture, the ocean, or Te Moana, holds great spiritual and practical significance, much like it does for me personally. This value is reflected in "Noise Tide," which not only addresses environmental concerns but also seeks to protect and respect the natural balance of land and sea, drawing from both Chinese and Māori philosophies.
Placed in the Auckland CBD, "Noise Tide" responds to the urban noise pollution that is so prevalent in this area. The installation uses real-time noise sensors to detect sound levels and transforms these noises into dynamic visual projections. As noise levels rise, the patterns projected onto the sculpture shift and change, reflecting how urban noise disturbs the natural environment. This visual representation of noise pollution mirrors the Māori belief in the interconnectedness of all living things—how every disruption in the environment, including sound, has ripple effects on the ecosystem.
Incorporating the Māori idea of whanaungatanga (connection and relationship) into the project, the installation encourages the public to reflect on their relationship with the environment. The constant hum of traffic, construction, and city life shapes not just the urban soundscape but also impacts both human and marine health. "Noise Tide" serves as a reminder of the need for harmony between urban life and nature, to inspire people to become kaitiaki (guardians) of our shared environment.
By merging traditional Chinese craftsmanship, Māori cultural values, and modern urban issues in Auckland, "Noise Tide" offers a unique narrative that connects cultural heritage with environmental advocacy, urging us to listen to and protect our surroundings in a more thoughtful way.
Awareness Poster
The poster visualizes the impact of noise pollution on the urban environment and marine life. Featuring brightly colored images and impactful graphics, the poster educates the public about the harmful effects of excessive noise. The poster encourages community involvement and promotes action to reduce noise pollution in the Auckland CBD.
Promotional Website
This website describes the interactive installation that transforms urban noise into visual projections, raising awareness of the impact of noise pollution on human and marine ecosystems. And it offers a noise map feature to help people become aware of the real-time noise environment in Auckland CBD. The site explores the cultural impact of the artwork, highlights environmental issues, and provides resources and actions that individual Auckland residents can do to reduce noise pollution in the Auckland CBD.
