Transmission is an interactive sound installation consisting of a pair of parabolic dishes aimed at one another across a broad distance. Because the dishes reflect and focus soundwaves, people positioned at their focal point could speak in lowered voices and hear one another clearly. The effect is arresting — the voice of the speaker seems to come from everywhere, all at once. Even while sitting at the dish quietly, ambient white noise is audible.

By interacting with the installation, people engage in ways they normally wouldn’t – talking across a distance instead of in close proximity – telling secrets or declaring love. The installation invokes a sense of wonder as adults and children alike playfully discover voices near and far and are delighted by its simple science.

The installation was designed to be constructed by one or two people using affordable and common materials of plywood and standard porcelain tile. Computational tools were used to design the shape of the plywood and position of the tiles, producing files for a CNC mill to use in fabrication.

LOCATION Seattle, WA
PROGRAM Seattle Design Festival
COMPLETED 2016
DIMENSIONS 7’ x 7’ x 7’
MEDIUM Plywood, Tile
DESIGNERS Shane Leaman