MediaArtTutorials

W9: Technical Walkthrough Activity — Re-Designing Sound and Light for the LFS Space

Goal:
Practice translating an existing sound composition into a spatial installation environment using the lights, speakers, and objects available in the Lyons Family Studio (LFS).

You will re-design your previous work to function as a multi-channel installation in the actual space.

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Group Setup

• Form groups of 4–5 students.
• Each group will choose one previously submitted work created by a member of your group, from either:
  • Week 7
  • Week 8

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Timing (50 minutes)

• 10 minutes: Group work (review the work + redesign spatial cues + prepare notes)
• 20 minutes: Selected groups work with the technicians to implement their cues in the LFS
• 20 minutes: Live demonstrations of the redesigned versions + brief class reflection

Note: Even if your group is not selected to work directly with the technician, you are still expected to complete the full spatial redesign during class time.

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1. Select a Previous Work

As a group, choose one sound composition from a previous student submission (Week 7 or Week 8).

First, watch the original submission together.

Your task is to reimagine how this sound could function using the real lights, speakers, and objects in the LFS.

Think about:

• Which lights should activate
• How the space changes over time
• How the audience might experience the environment

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2. Redesign the Spatial Cues

Using the existing objects and lighting setup in the LFS, design a short sequence of cues that reinterpret the sound piece as an installation.

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Cue Design Requirements

Design 3–4 cues maximum.

Your cues should define:

• Which lights are active
• How intensity or colour changes
• How sound and light interact over time

Focus on how the environment changes as a spatial experience.

For each cue, clearly define:

• Which lights activate
• Intensity changes
• Colour changes
• Dominance between lights

Make notes so you can communicate clearly to the technicians.

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Prepare to Speak to the Technician

You will communicate your cues one group at a time.

You must have:

• The audio file ready on a USB drive (USB provided by the instructor).
• Written notes describing your cues

When speaking:

• Describe actions, not emotions
• Be clear and concise
• Assume you have limited time

Example:

“Start the audio in the speakers while slowly fading in the side lights. After 10 seconds, reduce the the front lights at low intensity.”

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3. Presentation Format

Selected groups will present their redesign.

Select 2 students to speak on behalf of the group.

The sequence will be:

1. Introduce the main idea of your redesign
2. Watch the original student submission
3. Explain the new spatial approach
4. Technicians execute the cues in the LFS

Prepare:

• 1 sentence: What spatial atmosphere did you want to create?
• 2–3 lines: What changes did you introduce in sound and light?
• 1 line: How does the new version transform the original work in the physical space?

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Credits: Jessica A. Rodríguez

AI Disclosure:
AI Disclosure: ChatGPT was used for editing and clarity only. No original course content was generated using AI.