Sonic architecture: auditory illusion of a visual memory in the shophouse 1527 for "a lost kitchen"

Abstract

This thesis is a study of sound in relation to a theory of "EVERYDAY LIFE." It is a supplement to Paul Connerton’s view on architecture and memories written in a book entitled How Societies Remember. The ideas are that, first of all, objects, imageries, data can be converted to sound and vice versa. Secondly, sound is considered to be visual memories that exists in space and time. Lastly, it is possible to create a space of sound to exhibit a past life of a built environ. The intention of this study is to document the visual memories of the lost objects of the past owners in Samyan district, during the period of urban gentrification. Sound of a Lost Kitchen is recorded by using auditory illusion technique of Thai omelet cooking sound from performance upon things in real space. The proposed outcome of this study is to exhibit sound of "A Lost Kitchen" in an actual space, a temporary art house entitled the Shophouse 1527. The aim is to test the response of the visitors that feel through the perception of "Auditory Illusion" in real space. Sonic architecture, in this sense, is not only an attempt to use sound as a design tool but also to preserve the memories. In this thesis, I pay respect to architecture in relation to sound. The symbolism of Thai culture in everyday life reflects to the value of lost space as the preservation of memory. The analysis of the outcome is based on the audiences’ responses to the exhibition "A Lost Kitchen," particularly the cultural differences. All positive and negative responses are valuable for the future development.