Sound of the underground : revealing the unheard and unseen world of soil beings through sonic and generative design : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Sound of the Underground is an immersive installation revealing the unheard and unseen world of soil life. One teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than humans on earth (Sprunger 2), a vulnerability that is exacerbated by their inaudibility and invisibility to human life. Their lives elude our sensory capacity within the modern world, and therefore our current processes and relationships with soil are to treat it like ‘dirt’: a dead, dark and quiet place in which capitalist exploitation and extraction damage topsoil health. The result of this impacts the health of the planet and its human and non human inhabitants. Investigating the role of sound in the human experience and as vibrational communications belowground, the research reveals how two worlds are becoming closer. As anthropogenic (human) noise traverses the biophillic sound of soil webs, these worlds are more reliant on each other than we may believe. As a project emerging from Aotearoa New Zealand, a Te Ao Māori worldview acknowledges the sensitivities and complexities of our soils, as well as the indivisible link between oneone ora and tāngata ora. The research is guided by the He Awa Whiria or Braided River framework. This mixed-method approach allows the research to move between a Māori worldview of our relationships with soil and western-centric ecoacoustic research. Methods of acoustic investigation are employed to reveal the unheard. Ecoacoustics record the sound of soil organisms and pick up frequencies beyond the human hearing range. These recently developed research methods are unearthing the need to understand how we can better care for enhanced soil futures. The unseen is explored by participating in wairākau or composting, then examining samples under the microscope. I harness generative design methods to create audio-reactive evolving systems that draw from ideas of mauri and the nature of soil life. Sound of the Underground was supported by Wellington-based artist and filmmaker, Mumu Moore, who incorporates sounds of Taonga Pūoro (traditional Māori instruments). The installation explores the conversations expanding both the human and soil realms, immersing you in ancient vibrations that will lead you deeper into relationship with our soils.