Electronic Soundscapes was the second event in the Institute of Play and art and technology center
Eyebeam's Super Art + Design Challenge Wednesday collaboration. Featuring sound designer
Hans-Christoph Steiner and 20 Quest to Learn sixth-graders, the three-hour workshop probed the conceptual, technical and sonic dimensions of computer-generated sound and noise. Beginning with the simple question, "What is sound?," Hans showed students his own projects and introduced them to
pure data—a real-time graphical programming environment that can be used to create computer music. Hans guided students through the sound creation process, masterfully creating a simple, inviting and fun point of entry into a complex and intimidating environment. Hans challenged students to create and control electronic sounds using their computer mouse by the end of the day. As students sampled their voices and filled the room with their own noisy soundscapes, it was clear that yet another design challenge had been successfully met.
