SONICTOUCH
Tactile Sound-Augmented Art Experience
The SonicTouch Experience is an innovative mode of enjoying figurative art, designed to overcome sensory barriers through a multimodal and intermedial interaction. This device integrates multimodality (engaging multiple senses) and intermediality (merging different media) to deliver a unique and immersive experience, tailored to the specific needs of each user. A critical analysis of the artwork is provided, based on the most recent and accredited interpretative perspectives developed in the field.
Dramatization and cinematic sound design of the depicted scenes enhance emotional engagement.
The sound narratives are not mere descriptions but true dramatizations, enriched with music and voices that evoke the emotions conveyed by the painting.
This allows blind users to experience art on an emotional level equal to that of sighted individuals.
Figurative Art Through Touch and Immersive Audio
The project operates within the field of tactile translations of sculptural and pictorial works, an area experiencing significant growth both nationally and internationally. SonicTouch aims to enrich the aesthetic experience of individuals with visual impairments by integrating tactile stimulation with an audio experience.
Believing that tactile translation alone is insufficient to enable a blind or visually impaired person to fully grasp the spaces and perspectives represented in most artworks, we developed the conviction that acoustic perception, combined with tactile interaction, can effectively compensate for the lack of visual perception.
Thanks to the use and manipulation of sound, we provide a three-dimensional sensory experience, much closer to the visual one.
Through advanced technologies, exploring the acoustic space allows for a virtual recreation of the spatial sensations represented in the artwork. This gives blind individuals the ability to perceive depth and the positioning of objects.
The acoustic representation arranges elements in perspective, leveraging the often highly developed auditory abilities of blind individuals, refined through intense and constant practice.
Tactile exploration
Immersive Audio
A cinematic soundtrack narrates the artwork, featuring a narrator's voice, sound design, music, and dialogues that describe its historical and visual context. This approach allows the user to experience art on multiple psychological levels.
The SonicTouch enables the recreation of perspective and spatial sensations through sound, providing access to the artwork that is both acoustically coherent with vision and deeply emotionally engaging.
Dramatization and cinematic sound design
A cinematic soundtrack narrates the artwork, featuring a narrator's voice, sound design, music, and dialogues that illustrate its historical and visual context, enabling the user to experience art on multiple psychological levels.
This step is crucial because, in addition to informing the user about the artwork, it allows them to familiarize themselves with the raised forms and gain an initial understanding of the dimensions and distinctive elements of the piece.
Tactile Interaction and Critical Description
Each part of the painting is sensitive to touch: the user can independently activate the audio descriptions associated with each element.
The acoustic description of the environments changes depending on the activated area, as each point represents a different perspective in space
This perspective variety is achieved through sophisticated sound encoding algorithms.
For each activated area, a critical description guides the user through the exploration, offering essential details not only to identify the area of interest but also to deepen the understanding of the raised parts.
Why is it innovative?
Acoustic Spatial Perception
3D audio and three-dimensional mapping utilize auditory capabilities to recreate depth and perspective.
Empathy and Engagement
Through the dramatization of stories, visual art becomes a living narrative, stimulating the imagination and amplifying the symbolic meaning of the artwork, making tangible experiences and emotions that go beyond appearance.
Binaural Audio and Soundscape
With the three-dimensional spatialization of sound, the environment of the artwork is recreated, offering a complete and realistic immersion.
User Autonomy
The interface is designed to be self-explanatory, allowing visitors to explore the artwork completely independently. Clear instructions are provided through headphones, ensuring autonomous enjoyment without the need for continuous assistance.
Multimodal
The integration of touch and hearing offers a synesthetic experience that goes beyond the visual experience
Truly inclusive
The installation is also accessible to wheelchair users or individuals with motor disabilities, thanks to a simple and intuitive software interface, equipped with only two large multifunction buttons.
Intermedia
SonicTouch integrates tactile, narrative, musical, and interactive media for a deep perception of the artwork
Custom Experience
The interface is designed to be self-explanatory, allowing visitors to explore the artwork independently. Clear instructions are provided through headphones, ensuring autonomous enjoyment without the need for continuous assistance.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Sound Designer
Francesco Paris
Sound Engineer with over forty years of experience in Television and Music Production and Postproduction, for all the major broadcasters operating in Italy, as well as in Film and Television Dubbing and Editing. Lecturer in Electroacoustics at the Licinio Refice Conservatory in Frosinone.
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Composer, Sound and Visual Artist
Valerio Murat
Valerio Murat, composer and visual artist with works exhibited in prestigious international venues such as IRCAM in Paris, the Venice Biennale, the Barbican Centre in London, and ZKM in Karlsruhe. Lecturer in Multimediality at the Licinio Refice Conservatory in Frosinone.
Computer Scientist and Digital Craftsman
Bruno Luziatelli
Expert in digital fabrication, computer science, and electronics, with a strong focus on the implementation of innovative technologies in design. Specializes in prototyping and user interface.
Expert in Multimedia Technologies
Toni Paris
Former business executive in the television sector, expert in managing thematic channels and multimedia digital archiving. Passionate about technology, he contributes with his strategic vision to the development of the project
Business Development Manager
Alessandro Paris
Degree in Engineering and student at the Management Master's program at ESSEC. Certified polyglot, responsible for developing business relationships with museums and foundations outside of Italy.