SoundScape Analysis, Alexandra Pagliery

Figure 1. A large group of people sit up close to the screen and 

share a large picnic.

The SoundScape park at the New World Symphony in Miami Beachhosts multiple viewing events for the public that are projected on a massive7,000 square foot wall. The Wallcasts include both concerts and movies. It maynot seem that the atmosphere of a public park could ever be equivalent to theexperience in a dark, intimate movie theater or concert hall, but subtlearchitectural and landscape moves make the park conducive to a multitude ofviewing experiences. Some prefer to come with a significant other and cozy upon the ground, while others come in larger groups bringing everything needed tohave a feast during the show (Fig. 1). The design of the SoundScape allows for these twodifferent scenarios to occur in the same place without one disturbing the other.

Sidewalks paved throughout create sections of grassy areas where people can spread out and set up to have these individualized experiences. People have the option to gather in close proximity to others in the main, large grassy area right in front of the screen (Fig.2), or sit on the long bench behind one of the wider sidewalks where a more elevated area of grass begins (Fig. 3). There are others who sit much further back in chairs (Fig. 4) and also people who sit on the bench toward the center of the park that has an angled view of the screen. The benches are inviting for people to sit on due to the arrangement of large stones that are permanently affixed to them creating divisions similar to the way an armrest separates seats in a theater (Fig. 5). The beauty of the park is that people can scatter throughout creating their own experiences and no matter what the others around them are doing or how they are sitting, there will never be an obstructed view due to the size of the projection. The audio and visual equipment that is somewhat hidden to not distract the rest of the design also works to imitate the experience one would have if they were inside. The sounds completely surround the audience in order to make them feel like they are in an enclosed theater space although they are outside.

Figure 2.The main, viewing lawn.

Figure 3. The bench and elevated area.

Figure 4. People sitting further back on the lawn.

Figure 5. To the far left, people sit on the bench and have an
angled view of the projection.  This view also displays the
stones on the benches.

The SoundScape is designed in a way that allows for peopleto enter from different points around the park. The sidewalks invite peoplefrom Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, and 17^th Street (Fig. 6). Although the mainparking garage faces 17^th street, it can be noted that people enterequally as much from the other entry points. The park is an attractive qualityto the New World Symphony because it allows people to take part in events thatare happening inside for free. This brings a variety of people to the park andbuilding, not just those that can afford the tickets for the shows inside.  The New World Symphony and SoundScape enhancethe city by becoming another point of interest that promotes numerousinteractions between people of all ages and places and allowing them to cometogether to experience their shared love for music, art, and culture. At theend of each performance these people gather together and applaud the performersalthough they are outside and can not be heard. 

Figure 6. People entering from the corner of Washington Ave. and Lincoln Lane.