The London Soundmap: Integrating sonic interaction design in the urban realm

This paper describes the development, implementation and impact of the London Soundmap, an interactive sound installation featuring London's soundscape which was exhibited in Regent Street, central London, 2016. We use this interactive urban installation as a case study to explore the opportunities and constraints associated with integrating sonic feedback into the existing urban realm, including the various administrative, design, technical and social challenges. First, we introduce the various stakeholders involved in the conception and implementation of the Soundmap, particularly Transport for London, who utilised this intervention as a way of better understanding how sonic interaction design could improve the design of their urban infrastructure. Then, we discuss the range of disciplines required to create a more immersive, multisensorial experience - from urban design and the visual arts, to electronic engineering and sound design - and the resulting design and technical outputs. Finally, we evaluate the range of interactions and reactions of the various users from data collected from interviews and video recordings. The overall response suggests that the integration of sonic interaction design in the public urban realm has a number of benefits, including increased awareness of the urban soundscape, increased social interaction, and a greater sense of community and place.