Experimenting with the Structural and Melodic Integrity of
Wind Chimes for the Blackland Prairie, 2020
Wind Chimes for the Blackland Prairie, 2020
This project was inspired by studying abroad in France, and the beautiful echoing soundscapes of its cities — a larger than life wind chime that allows the viewer to replicate the ambient musicality on the University of Texas at Dallas campus.
Chime Structural Iterations
initial 3D model
second iteration - tetratonic tuning introduced
final model with open tetratonic scales
Modifications to the typical wind chime structure were made to enhance the viewer's experience. This realized most through the removal of the striker, as well as the tuning. Removing the striker and expanding the area of suspension platform, allows the viewer to experience being both within and without this wind chime; to be the wind, as well as experience its music.
tuning
Tuning for this piece was influenced by the structure of the wind chime, such as the chimes and supports. While paying homage to both the feeling of the land and the land's history was vital to the integrity of the project. As the Native Americans of the Blackland Prairie would have used scales like this in their music, three tetratonic scales were used in this piece to replicate the open sound of these ancient scales.
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programs used: keyshot, rhinoceros, dimension, illustrator, indesign, photoshop, keyshot