A workshop on sound in science center planning and design
Friday, October 5, 2001 In our highly visual society, museum
design is often thought of in terms of architecture, exhibit
furniture and devices, lighting, labels, and signs. Sound gets
less attention, and often as a negative factor, after
installation is complete. This workshop was designed to heighten
awareness of the museum soundscapefrom ambient sound (and noise)
to sound as an element of multisensory exhibit experiences. The
goal was to increase our understanding of the potential of sound
in creating environments and experiences that give pleasure and
enhance learning, for a wide variety of people. Thirty-five
people participated. Participants introduced themselves by
sharing their favorite sounds. The sounds that were named, often
with much warmth and nostalgia, mirrored the preferences
identified in surveys carried out in four distinct cultures.
Everywhere, the sounds rated most highly were of water, wind,
birds, specific musical instruments and