CX SHANGHAI

For CX SHANGHAI at TX Huaihai Centre, we developed sound design and compositions for an audiovisual installation by onformative. The work reflects contrasting urban atmospheres through changing visual and sonic moods.

Our Role Sound Concept, Sound Design, Composition // Commissioned by onformative // Client TX Huaihai Center in Shanghai // Year 2021

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CX SHANGHAI is a permanent audiovisual installation for TX Huaihai Centre in Shanghai, created by onformative. The project explores urbanization through abstract visual depictions of grids, light, shadow, structure, and density found throughout the city.

The installation changes between distinct day and night modes that shape the visual atmosphere of the work. Inspired by different temporal states of the city, the project creates shifting urban moods across the architectural environment.

We developed the sound design and musical compositions accompanying these changing visual environments. The compositions follow the installation’s dual structure of daytime and nighttime modes, each with distinct sonic characteristics connected to the visual language of the piece.

For the daytime atmosphere, we worked with manipulated reverb tails and collage-based ambient textures. The nighttime compositions use granular synthesis based on recordings of neon lights, creating denser and more fragmented sonic material. Our contribution focused on sound design and composition for the audiovisual installation.

PROJECT SCOPE

Role of Sound
Sound supports the atmospheric character of the audiovisual installation and accompanies transitions between changing visual moods.
Mode of Encounter
Visitors experience the work across multiple screens inside and outside TX Huaihai Centre as a continuous ambient environment.
Sound Logic
The compositions follow distinct day and night modes aligned with changing visual states and urban atmospheres.
Source Material
Daytime compositions use manipulated reverb tails and collage techniques. Nighttime compositions use granular synthesis derived from recordings of neon lights.
Production Role
We created the sound design and composed the ambient audio environment for the installation.
Sound System
The installation was presented across multiple screens. The available source material does not specify the audio system configuration.
Related Insights
Exhibition Sound Design — Sound for museums, pavilions and cultural visitor routes
Immersive Sound — Presence, scale and bodily perception through sound
Spatial Audio — Sonic depth, movement and perspective in rooms and routes

visual by onformative

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CX Shanghai