Sonoro: Public Sound Furniture for Inclusive Recreation

Changing the Concept of Public Furniture Through Music

Sonoro, designed by Team Sonoro: Social sound & Recreation, is a unique public sound furniture project aimed at stimulating and generating recreation and leisure activities through music in public spaces. It is specifically designed for hillside areas in Medellin, Colombia, and serves as a means of expression and a tool for social inclusion. This innovative design provides a new type of inclusive public furniture that encourages community engagement and enhances the quality of life.

The structure of Sonoro is made of metallic material to improve its resonance, which is crucial for areas with larger interaction. It consists of two timbales, one hang, and two drumsticks. The sound generated by Sonoro invites the community to practice music and is produced by the user's interaction with the instrument. The tone of the sound depends on where and how hard the user hits the instrument's surface, and they are guided through graphic elements.

The Sonoro project started in July 2015 and was completed in November of the same year in Medellin. It was exhibited at the Academic showroom Salon de Diseno at Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Palmira in December 2015 and at the Academic showroom Antonio Mesa Jaramillo at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in March 2016.

The design of Sonoro was based on extensive research and analysis of the community's interaction in public spaces through music. The project aimed to address the needs of vulnerable populations and promote cultural practices and recreation in public spaces. The design team conducted inventories, field trips, and meetings with the community to understand their needs and preferences.

One of the main challenges faced during the project was the installation of the furniture in the urban boundaries of Medellin. However, thanks to the collaboration with public organizations, such as The Empresa de Desarrollo Urbano of Medellin, the project was successfully realized. The transportation of the instrument to the intervention space was made possible through the support of these organizations.

Sonoro is not just a piece of furniture; it is a project that aims to empower the community and promote cultural diversity and identity. It creates a space for interaction and socialization among residents, tourists, visitors, and students in the intervened area.

Sonoro was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Sonoro's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world made it a deserving recipient of this accolade.