Routledge Companion to Sound of Space (The)

This companion explores a range of conceptual and practical relationships between sound and space across various disciplines, providing insights from technical, creative, cultural, political, philosophical, psychological, and physiological perspectives. The content spans a wide range of spatial typologies, from large reverberant buildings to modest and intimate ones, from external public squares to domestic interiors, and from naturally formed environments to highly engineered spaces. These compiled insights and observations explore the vast diversity of ways in which sonic and spatial realms interact.

This publication therefore forms important bridges between the intricate and diverse topics of technology, philosophy, composition, performance, and spatial design, to contemplate the potential of sound and space as tools for creative expression and communication, as well as for technical innovation. It is hoped that by sharing these insights, this book will inspire practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts to incorporate new perspectives and methodologies into their own work.

Through a rich blend of theory, practice, and critical reflection, this volume serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intricacy of relationships between space and sound, whether they are students, professionals, or simply curious. Our companion provides a cross-section through shared territories between sonic and spatial disciplines from architecture, engineering, sound design, music composition and performance, urban design, product design, and much more.

Emma-Kate Matthews is an architect, composer, musician, and researcher. Her work explores the creative intersections between sonic and spatial practices through the production of site-responsive and spatialised audiovisual projects.

Jane Burry is an architect and Head of the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Her research leverages digital fabrication with simulation and feedback to create better, more sensitive, human-centric spaces through linking to environmental and perceptual experiences including the auditory.

Mark Burry AO is an architect and the Founding Director of the Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at Swinburne University of Technology. His role is to lead the development of a whole-of-university research approach to ‘urban futures’, helping ensure that our future cities anticipate and meet the needs of all – smart citizens participating in the development of smart cities.