Sonic Heirloom: A Revolutionary Fusion of Sound Design and Memory

 

How often do individuals take a moment to genuinely listen to the sounds that envelop them? These sounds play a significant role in grounding people in the present and stirring memories from the past. Enter Sonic Heirloom, a visionary project born from the collaboration between Map Project Office and Father, which seeks to redefine the way sound and memory intertwine. This partnership merges industrial and sound design, delving into innovative ways to create products, systems, and experiences that prioritize sonic qualities throughout the design process.

Sonic Heirloom stands as a speculative object that rethinks the relationship between sound and memory, aiming to capture and preserve meaningful auditory experiences. It artfully blends the tangible with the intangible, transforming sound into a medium for cherishing and sharing personal stories. This initiative encourages a more profound and intentional connection with the fleeting nature of memory, inviting individuals to engage with their past in a new light.

Jake Weir, the Creative Director at Map Project Office, reflects on the journey: “The team has had an extraordinary opportunity to dive deep into the realms of sound and memory. Sonic Heirloom is built on extensive and captivating research that has led them down various paths of exploration. The design process proved to be a challenge, drawing on the collective expertise of the entire team. Their ambition is to forge a new physical archetype that embodies the concept while remaining both precious and surprising.”

Sonic Heirloom is a unique device that combines a recording puck with a playback unit featuring a resonant bell. The puck is crafted for easy portability, enabling users to capture sonic memories effortlessly in real-time. Once a memory is recorded, the puck is placed into the playback device, where it is permanently preserved within the heirloom, ready to be revisited.

When the playback begins, the bell starts to rotate, producing a physical resonance that beautifully complements the recorded audio. This interaction creates an immersive soundscape, forging a deep connection between the user and their memory. As time passes, the bell’s resonance becomes intertwined with the captured moment, enriching the emotional experience. Drawing inspiration from historical sonic instruments like bells and clocks, the Sonic Heirloom embodies these timeless elements in its design and functionality. Built to last, this heirloom can be handed down through generations, encouraging each new user to engage with, reinterpret, and treasure the memories it safeguards.

The puck, resembling a coin for easy handling, initiates recording with a simple click, creating an immediate connection to the present. Safeguarded within a glass vitrine, it symbolizes the delicate nature of memories, with the frosted surface reflecting how time can distort our recollections. The player, encased in leather, gently interacts with the bell, producing a rich, resonant chime after several rotations. Crafted by a traditional foundry, the bell’s unique blend of recycled tin and copper gives it a distinct sound, while its polished interior invites introspection, echoing the individuality of personal memories.

Freddie Webb, the visionary behind Father, shares: “Partnering with Map Project Office on Sonic Heirloom has been an incredible expedition into the essence of how we connect with and safeguard memories through sound. Typically, sound takes a backseat, often overshadowed by visual stimuli. This initiative allowed us to flip that narrative, putting sound in the spotlight and enabling us to explore its richness and possibilities. Working alongside the talented team at Map was both eye-opening and intellectually stimulating, revealing fresh questions and insights in a realm that is still largely uncharted. The elusive nature of sound often restricts our physical engagement with it. Sonic Heirloom breaks through that barrier by providing a means to visualize and appreciate sound, even when it’s silent. It encourages us to listen with greater intention, transforming our understanding and appreciation of auditory experiences.”