Sounding Architecture

Thomas Tsang
Associate Professor, 
Department of Architecture,
The University of Hong Kong

Introduction:
Nasrine Seraji
Professor and Head, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong

Respondent:
Giorgio BIANCOROSSO
Associate Professor, Department of Music
Director, Society of Fellows in the Humanities, HKU

Abstract    

Sounding Architecture is an installation and performance of architecture and music informing each other in surprising ways, to challenge disciplinary notions of tradition and experimentation, to expand the boundaries of both practices, and to offer the public a different experience of musical performance and the utilization of objects.

The concept behind this project is collaboration and research. To develop a unique project dealing with sound and space, it creates a dialogue between two distinct disciplines in architecture and music. Sound may be absent from our sight, but it is highly desirable architectural material than wood, glass, concrete, or light; which can be shaped and enclosed by design. Presently, sound is rarely considered in design practice, except when designers are asked to plan concert halls or theatre, acoustic specialists are brought in. This project further investigates the artistic production with two major music composers. Since 2007, a decade-long collaboration with UC Berkeley professor in music composition, Ken Ueno has explored the sonically activated resonant chamber, effectively turning the building into a musical instrument and an ongoing series to explore new possibilities to notate oral traditions with composer Du Yun, “How are you doing, the future that has never left” (2017) at the Shanghai Symphony Hall and “How are you doing, the past that comes around the corner” (2017) for the Shanghai Project 2116.

Sounding Architecture project is a series of expanded practices offered to illuminate the interior collaboration with the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, Spring Workshop and Department of Music at the University of Hong Kong. To explore the development of alternative collaborative artistic practices, it critically examines the role of art/architecture and music, expanding the boundaries of both traditions.

This project has been supported by the Knowledge Exchange Interdisciplinary Grant at the University of Hong Kong and Seed Funding by the Design Trust.

Biography    

Thomas Tsang is Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong and founder of DEHOW PROJECTS, a studio practice that integrates artistic practice with architecture in exhibitions, buildings, and curations. He is a graduate of the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at the Cooper Union. His protean artistic accomplishments, ‘Sounding Architecture’ works at the crossing of performance, sound, and scenography with composer Ken Ueno and Du Yun. He is a recipient of Civitella Ranieri Fellowship, Mellon Visiting Artist at Wellesley College, and coveted Marion O. and Maximilian E. Hoffman Rome Prize in Architecture from the American Academy in Rome. He is co-editor of ‘On the Edge: Ten Architects from China’ (2006) and the joint chief editor of Occupy, a HKIA Journal. His curatorial achievements include ‘Cloud of Unknowing: A City with Seven Streets’ (2014) at Taipei Fine Arts Museum with Roan Ching-yueh, “10 x 100” at the PMQ (2017), and upcoming Hong Kong Exhibition at the 16th International Architecture Venice Biennale a(2018).

“In order for nothing to change, all has to be changed”
il Gattopardo (The Leopard)
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa interpreted by Luchino Visconti

The Department of Architecture launches its  2017-2018 Public Lecture Series, on the work of its faculty. The “In-Progress” series will critically examine the relevance of a vast number of issues in relationship to architecture. The Teaching staff will share their most recent work/ research/ publications in a 60 minute talk which, will be followed by a discussion chaired by a person of the speaker’s choice. The respondent will preferably be from other faculties at HKU or outside of the university. We look forward to your active presence and participation.