Recycling traffic noise: transforming sonic automobilities for revalue and well being

ABSTRACT

In this article, we advance a design anthropological approach to the ‘problem’ of urban traffic noise, through noise transformation. Drawing on an interdisciplinary collaboration between design anthropology and sound art and design, we discuss how noise transformation opens up new possibilities for the generation of wellbeing. To undertake this we interrogate the human-technology-environment configurations, improvisatory character, materiality and temporality of traffic noise and transformed sound. We argue that conceptualising noise transformation as a form of revaluing which remains open to the possibilities of human perception, offers a viable theoretical framing and practical strategy. It moreover, we suggest, offers a way forward in the face of the perennial problem of traffic noise, which has no viable technological solution.

KEYWORDS:

• Traffic noise
• sound transformation
• revaluing
• recycling
• urban noise
• urban parks
• design anthropology

Acknowledgments

This research was funded through a Transurban Innovation Grant in partnership with RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. The authors also thank the wider research team and all of the people who gave their time and enthusiasm to participate in our research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Live recordings of the noise transformations are available online here: https://sites.rmit.edu.au/transurbaninnovationgrantrmit2016/audio/.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Transurban Innovation Grant in partnership with RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.