Chirming: A Symphony of Birdsong Visualized

Sook Ko's Award-Winning Design Transforms Birdsong into Visual Art

The inspiration for Chirming came from Ko's childhood experiences. As a young girl, she would listen to the birds in the forest, their songs echoing through the trees. Unable to see the birds, she would visualize their songs as a forest of sound. This memory inspired her to create a design that embodies the calming and healing properties of birdsong.

Chirming is more than just a visual representation of sound. It is a fusion of art and science, combining the soothing sounds of birds with the visual representation of mandalas, symbols often associated with healing and meditation. The design's unique properties lie in its ability to transform sound into a visual medium, creating an immersive experience that engages both the auditory and visual senses.

The project was realized using UV planographic press on thin white acrylics, a departure from the traditional paper medium. The result is a series of posters that not only depict the sound of birdsong but also offer a tactile experience. The design specifications include a poster size of A1 (594mm x 841mm), a concept board size of 400mm x 1400mm, and an exhibition size of 2000mm x 2000mm.

Chirming was a project that required extensive research and creativity. Ko researched hundreds of bird species, their habitats, and their songs. She then categorized sixteen birds into four groups: spring and summer migrant birds, winter birds, summer birds, and resident birds. The challenge was to visualize the unique sound of each bird, a task that required a deep understanding of sound visualization and a keen artistic eye.

The project was completed over a period of six months, from March to September 2014, at Sejong University in Korea. It was designed for Ko's graduation exhibition, and it has since garnered international acclaim. The Platinum A' Design Award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing. Chirming, with its unique blend of art and science, certainly fits this description.

In conclusion, Chirming is a testament to the power of design and the beauty of nature. It is a project that pushes the boundaries of art and science, creating a unique experience that engages the senses and soothes the mind. It is a testament to Sook Ko's creativity and dedication, and a deserving recipient of the Platinum A' Design Award.