Helluva Stairwell

So ive decided on a new space to potentially use for my final project. as long as everything works out. I will be doing a piece in one of the four massive concrete stairwells in the wicke science building. These stairwells are pretty unbelievable. Because of their shape and size they are incredibly reverborous. Short transient sounds ring out for a very long time and long sweeping sounds seem to completeley fill the space and swim about the space as they are constantly reflected about the walls.

The spaces are big enough, and interesting enough that Paul and myself have decided to each do a piece in these stairwells. We will either do installations in opposite stairwells or two in the same stairwell. We would like to create installations which contrast and/or compliment each other in some way. We are playing ideas concern duality and opposites. For the wicke building, unnatural and natural might be a good place to start.

These stairwells are also perfect for creating imaginary spaces. They are so massive and open that sound can be heard throughout, but your line of sight is restricted to a small section. Any amount of imaginary action can be created above or below the unsuspecting student. We tested this out and the effect is startling.

My favorite, very most favorite characteristic of these stairwells is the way its architecture resonates sound to the point were the volume seems to be the same no matter where the sound is coming from or where you are in the stairwell. A chime can play at the very, very top and at the bottom it sounds like the sound is coming straight out of the walls around you. This environment will be perfect for heterodining*? as well as many other effects.