Stefan H. Verstappen

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Sounding the Inner Labyrinth
Harmonic Sound & Light Landmarks

The Experience * Green Energy * Construction

Sounding the Inner Labyrinth is an interactive multi-sensory installation that is designed specifically to integrate into an existing labyrinth to add a sound, light, and spiritual dimension to the walking the labyrinth experience.

This installation will be in the heart of downtown Toronto right next to the Eaton Centre and inside the Toronto Public Labyrinth in the Trinity Square Park. Probably the largest annual arts event in Toronto, last year Nuit Blanche was attended by over 425,000 people.

This installation not only promotes music, light, harmony, meditation, health and peace, but also incorporates the principles of green renewable energy in combination with art and technology.








The Experience

Six slender pillars arranged in a circle one on each pedal of the center Rose of the labyrinth stand mute and mysterious.  As you walk along the labyrinth you will draw close to each of the pillars one at a time. As you approach each pillar they will acknowledge your presence and sing out a lone mellow tone. Simultaneously the pillar lights up from within with a soothing neon glow to light the darkness. As you walk along the path the pillars emit their mellow sounds and radiate different colors to mark the stages of your journey.

Other people walking in different areas of the labyrinth will activate other pillars more distant and the combined tones form random ever changing chords - a music created by the people themselves as they interact with the labyrinth. When the seekers reach the center of the labyrinth they are bathed in the lights and sounds from all the pillars signalling inspiration.

 

(All images show concept design superimposed on actual location photos.)
 

Green Energy

The installation is also ecologically friendly relying on renewable solar energy to operate. All moving and electronic components are contained in one weatherproof unit at the top and can be easily removed for servicing and repair. This allows the Sound Labyrinth to be placed virtually anywhere without the need to run power cables.

Construction

Sound Labyrinth is constructed from stainless steel tubing that is powder coated and weather proof suitable for year round outdoor display and resistant to vandalism.

The pillars have no sharp edges and are bottom heavy so that even if they were somehow pushed over they are basically empty tubes and the top weight would be so light as to cause no serious injuries. The electronic circuit runs on a 9 volt DC system making it completely safe from shock or electrocution and generating no heat to create a burn or fire hazard. Wires, electrical components, and moving parts are inaccessible to the public.