Solar System: Data Driven AudioVisual Design

An Exploration of the Mysterious Cosmos through Music and Visualization

Upon being inspired by a performance by contemporary minimalist musician Nils Frahm, Hyemi Song recognized the potential for sonified data through pattern repetition. Frahm's music, composed of rhythmic loops, sparked the idea that rhythm-based sound could be translated into sonified data. With this concept in mind, Song set out to create a data driven music piece using Solar System data.

The strength of Solar System lies in its ability to transform invisible astronomical data into a visible and audible existence. By utilizing algorithms to generate data-driven music, Song explores the aesthetic impression of the mysterious cosmos. The project raises the question of whether a data-driven system can be utilized as a musical instrument, pushing the boundaries of art, design, and technology.

The installation of Solar System involves the use of two computers, Ableton Live software, a microphone, an Akai MIDI controller, projectors, and speakers. The sidereal period data of the eight planets in the Solar System serves as the raw data, which is then transformed into eight sound loops with different cycles through the application of algorithms. When these sound loops are played simultaneously, rhythmic patterns emerge, creating a music-like experience for the audience.

The fluctuation of sound also affects the visualization aspect of Solar System. The sound signals are transmitted into a visualization tool, resulting in captivating visual representations of the planets. To maximize the spatial effect of the visualization, the installation requires a corner of a dark room, creating a visual illusion that enhances the perception of the 3D content.

The project, which started in winter 2015 and finished in summer 2016, was realized in Providence, RI, USA. Throughout the design process, Song conducted in-depth research on data sonification and visualization, exploring the potential of data-driven sound as a medium for increasing the aesthetic impression of the audience.

Solar System has received recognition for its innovative approach. In 2017, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric, and AI-Assisted Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements.

Hyemi Song, the designer behind Solar System, has successfully merged art, technology, and science to create a captivating audiovisual experience. By transforming astronomical data into music and visualization, Solar System offers a unique perspective on the mysteries of the cosmos.