PDA

View Full Version : A Sculpture that Sings


Merlion
05-24-2006, 10:36 PM
This is not really about new technology. It is about a sculpture that makes use of an unusual technology. The full write-up with a photo of the sculpture is given here (http://www.burnleycitizen.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.769349.0.no_sound_barrier_to_tree_scul pture.php). Excerpts are given below.

No sound barrier to 'tree' sculpture

A SINGING' sculpture for the hills above Burnley looks set for the go-ahead.

The plans for the Ringing, Singing Tree Panopticon have been altered following fears it could scare animals. [snip]

The sculpture would be made from tubes of metal which emit a low sound when the wind blows through them.

The scaffolding would be built on high land off Crown Point Road, Cliviger, and aims to symbolise the renaissance of the borough. [snip]

The designs were altered last year following complaints from horse riders and wildlife groups that the whistling would be too loud.

Architects went back to the drawing board and changed the designs.

Recent environmental tests have proved the sound would now be low and would only travel over a short distance.

And before it has been built, the revamped design won an international award in the Urban Space by Design competition held in London. [snip]

The £1million Panopticon project, originally intended to see six pieces of public art installed in East Lancashire's six boroughs.

Merlion
05-24-2006, 11:16 PM
This singing sculpture reminds me of the flexible sound pipe for children to play with. When it is whirled around it makes singing tonal sounds. The interesting thing is that when whirled around faster, one can get higher tones.

As I remember I have one of this toy, I dug it out, tried it, and it works, including a higher tone. I put it in front of my blower fan, and it works only when the mouth is placed at certain angles.

This is getting intriguing. I need to brush up on my school physics learnt long long ago.

Apparently when air rush past the open end, it drags air out from inside the pipe as if air is blown through the pipe. And if somehow vibration is given to the air, the pipe's resonating vibration causes the musical sound.

Digressing a bit, many pipe organs are beautiful 'singing' architectural sculptures. They sing due to motorised air-blowers, not due to natural wind.