Aqua Lingua: Visualizing the Beauty of Sound

Unleashing the Power of Sound through Water

Aqua Lingua, a conceptual project by designer Ruta Mickiene, takes inspiration from Umberto Eco's book "Opera Aperta" to create an "open work" in graphic design.

The main idea behind Aqua Lingua is to offer a unique opportunity to see and experience our words, music, and other sounds. Using a novel patented technology, this project converts durable sound into a single image by stirring the water surface with individual sound waves. The result is an amazing photograph that reveals the invisible beauty and harmony of sound.

Each visualization is unique, just like the human voice. The timbre, intonation, sense, and meaning of words are all captured in these stunning images. Aqua Lingua allows anyone to create an artwork from their own words or sounds, turning the intangible into something visually captivating.

The process begins with recording a sound, which is then turned upright and scanned as a whole. The audio frequencies are transmitted to water in a resonant wave, causing the water surface to vibrate. The vibrating water is then lit with a preferred color, and a photograph of the sound is taken. The resulting image contains a QR code that enables listeners to experience the original visualized sound at any time.

Aqua Lingua combines art and science, revealing new forms of human communication. It offers a glimpse into the invisible world of sound, allowing us to appreciate its beauty and complexity in a tangible way.

Since its inception in March 2013, Aqua Lingua has been pushing the boundaries of sound visualization. The project started as an artistic research endeavor, combining the theory of the open work and the exploration of unutilized information. It has evolved into a groundbreaking design that captures the essence of human speech, music, and other sounds through the medium of photography.

The development of Aqua Lingua was not without its challenges. The team had to improve the technology of transforming durable sound into a single image, ensuring that every detail and nuance was accurately captured. Through their dedication and creativity, they overcame these obstacles and created a truly remarkable design.

Aqua Lingua has been recognized for its innovation and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2014. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life. Aqua Lingua's ability to merge art, science, design, and technology makes it a truly deserving recipient of this accolade.

Aqua Lingua is not just a design; it is a testament to the power of sound and its ability to evoke emotions and create connections. It invites us to explore the hidden world of sound and appreciate its beauty in a whole new way.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: RUTA MICKIENE
Image Credits: RUTA MICKIENE
Project Team Members: Partner Virginijus Mickus
Project Name: Aqua Lingua
Project Client: RUTA MICKIENE


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