ACOUSTIC
HOW SNOW CHANGES OUR ACOUSTIC PERCEPTION
The phenomenon of newly fallen snow has a profound impact on our sensory experience of the environment, altering it in ways that are both visible and audible. As a fresh layer of snow blankets the landscape, it brings with it a remarkable change in the acoustic atmosphere. Sounds become softened, as if the world has been gently muted, creating a sense of serenity and stillness that pervades our surroundings. This significant reduction in noise pollution makes our environment not only look, but also feel, more tranquil and secluded.
The core reason behind this auditory transformation lies in the intricate structure of snowflakes themselves. Snowflakes, with their unique geometric patterns, possess a natural ability to absorb sound waves. This natural soundproofing effect is especially pronounced when the snow is fresh, fluffy, and undisturbed, as these conditions optimize the snow’s ability to trap air and absorb sound.
In essence, the arrival of newly fallen snow transforms our environment into a quieter, more peaceful realm. By absorbing sound, snow creates a hushed atmosphere that allows us to experience the world in a more serene and contemplative manner. This acoustic effect, coupled with the visual beauty of a snow-covered landscape, offers a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, inviting us to pause and appreciate the tranquility of nature.
EXPERIMENT
2021
To check the acoustic effect of the snow myself, I started an experiment. With the use of a microphone, a certain situation was recorded acoustically, first without snow cover and snowfall and subsequentily with it. To make the results comparable, the recordings were always made at the same place and at approximately the same time. Due to the variability of the snowfall, it is unfortunately not possible to make the measurement at exactly the same time on exactly the same day of the week. One has to adapt to the snow.
The location of the measurement was chosen based on several criteria. The location directly on the main road guarantees constant noise exposure. Since the road is located directly next to the river „Derjon“, the influence of the snow on background noise such as that of the river can also be checked.
Measurement No.1
Date: 24.11.2021, time: 14:34, weather: sunny, snow condition: not available, temperature: 1 degree, wind: 8km/h, humidity: 44%
Measurement description: In order to have the highest possible comparability of the two measurements, the first one was carried out only a few days before the first big snowfall of the year. The measurement went without incident and could be carried out as planned.
Measurement No.2
Date: 28.11.2021, time: 15:33, weather: cloudy, light snowfall, snow conditions: snowfall and 8 cm of fresh snow on the ground, temperature: -2 degrees, wind: 8km/h, humidity: 78%
Measurement description: The snowfall made the measurement a bit more complicated. Since the microphone and the computer were not designed for such conditions, the measurement could not be done in the desired length.
LEISE RIESELT DER SCHNEE
COLLABORATION:
PROGRESS 3D INNOVATION
To explore the acoustic impact of snow firsthand, I conducted an experiment using a microphone to capture sound in a specific setting, first without any snow cover or snowfall, and then with it.
The next step involved converting these audio recordings into physical forms. Starting with two audio clips of a distinct spot, once with snowfall and snow cover, and once without, these sounds were visualized as graphics. These visuals were then transformed into tangible entities using 3D-printed concrete, a service offered by Progress 3D Innovation. The resulting two vases, with their weight and shapes, illustrate the profound impact snow has on how we perceive the world around us.
Material: 3D printed concrete – Dimension: 1. 300x250x400mm 2. 150x250x400mm – Weight: 1. 5kg, 2. 3kg
