Floors of Heaven: A case study of an underwater acoustic soundscape for recreational purposes

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of an underwater music piece titled “Floors of Heaven” by British artist Leon Vynehall. This installation was delivered in a swimming pool as part of the Mona Foma 2023 festival, representing an example of the use of soundscapes as a means of artistic expression. The study delves into contemporary trends in soundscapes, with a focus on their utilization as a recreational tool, as the writers observe the growing interest in creating immersive and experiential art installations that engage the viewer on a sensory and emotional level. Subsequently, the paper discusses how soundscapes can be delivered in underwater environments, which present unique challenges in terms of acoustics, sound propagation, and environmental risk factors such as hearing damage. The technical considerations involved in creating an underwater sound installation, including the use of hydrophones and underwater speakers, and the importance of selecting appropriate hardware to achieve acceptable noise levels underwater, are thoroughly described. The case study of “Floors of Heaven,” which uses a combination of field recordings and synthesized sounds to explore themes of ecological collapse and the impact of human activity on underwater environments, is then presented.