SoundScape Analysis, Matthew Sundstrom

The New World Symphony complex is a source and a destination of creativity and inspiration. It’s located just off of Lincoln Road, a pedestrian friendly outdoor mall that is essential to the Miami Beach experience. Lincoln Road offers an introduction to the events and social interactions one may experience at New World Symphony’s SoundScape.

The New World Symphony building was design by renowned architect Frank Gehry [figure 1] and the adjacent public park by the prestigious architecture firm West 8. This park strives to provide a new president for parks in Miami Beach, providing a public space that feels ‘green’ and more like a park. [Figure 3] This space supports a multitude of day and night uses, offering moments of shade provided by trees and architectural sculptors [figure 2] during the daytime and at night providing meandering pathways and white concrete seating walls that provide options for informal seating for the SoundScape performance.

 The SoundScape performance space offers a completely different experience during the day time with the space remaining empty for a majority of the day. [Figure 4] The space becomes activated  when the sun starts to set and people slowly make there way to the informal seating area. This changes the ambiance of the space as it may become more intimate for a couple on a date or a space for friends to congregate and socialize before the WallCast starts. [Figure  5]

 The public space of the park is a well designed space because of its accessibility, comfort, uses and activities, and sociability. The space is easily accessible because of its proximity to Lincoln Road and the adjacent residential neighborhoods. [Figure 8] It is a calm relaxing place while providing moments of solitude and comfort within its context of  a fast paced busy environment. [Figure 3] It has a number of different activities and uses  including public concerts, community art shows,. It also    promotes social interactions amongst its occupants. [Figure 6]