The Architects

Aural architect

An aural architect is someone who is acting as an artist and a social engineer, selecting specific attributes of the space based on the desirable effect. This can be described in opaque language derived from the concepts, values, and vocabulary of a particular culture. The aural architect focuses on the way the listeners experience the sound waves in the space.

Acoustic architect

An acoustic architect is someone who builds, engineers, or implements the aural attributes selected by the aural architect. Acoustic design is the manipulation of spatial geometries and physical objects using mathematical equations and the science of physics. The acoustic architect focuses on how the physical properties of sound waves are altered by the space.

Sound designers think on the levels of both aural and acoustic architectural design to achieve their goals. What we do as designers is use technology to reproduce environments that are not normally amplified through a sound system.

Because modern culture is fundamentally focused on visual response, there is little appreciation to the value of the art of auditory spatial awareness. However, sound design can make visual design come to life and give more meaning to the visual sensory response by adding the spatial acoustics that accompany what we see.

We create aural richness when the physical design and the cultural context are combined. We can arouse excitement or invoke tranquility; we can create isolation; we can promote socialization or isolation; and we can stimulate aesthetic pleasure. To be excellent at sound design is to be a aware of the depth of the phenomenology of aural space.