Name: Sonic Architecture Slapped Pipes
SKU: 177331

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The forerunner of this instrument is a series of hollowed-out bamboo tubes in the Solomon Islands of Micronesia. It is also related to the Chinese Sheng, a musical instrument made of bamboo pipes.

This sculpture consists of a radial configuration of vertical pipes tuned to a 2-octave five-note (pentatonic) scale. When the open ends of the pipes are slapped with paddles or the flat of the hand, percussive tones of the scale are produced. The resonant frequency of the pipes can also be heard by listening the open ends. Each pipe has a different harmonic.

Slapped Pipes are activated both by the public and by the wind. They consist of a radial configuration of vertical pipes tuned to a 2 octave five-note (pentatonic) scale. When the open ends of the pipes are slapped with beach sandals or the flat of the hand, percussive tones of the scale are produced. The resonant frequency of the pipes can also be heard by listening at the open ends. Each pipe has a different harmonic. The forerunner of this instrument is a series of hollowed out bamboo tubes found in the Solomon Islands of Micronesia. They were left in situ and turned bamboo groves into singing forests. It is also related to the Chinese Sheng; a musical instrument made of bamboo pipes. 17’ X 2 1/2’.

Communal Sculptures

Playing rhythms together strengthens group interaction and teamwork and develops new skills in music performance

Sound Sculptures

Custom forming, finishing, and attention to detail realize the artists' vision through a collection of interactive musical sculptures. Stainless steel ensures low maintenance, long life, and durability in all climates and conditions. These artworks will serve intergenerational families for years to come.

Sonic Architecture is an art that resonates.

About Sonic Architecture

Beautiful and Durable

Sonic Architecture sculptures bring resiliency and durability to the public realm. Careful attention to details in all phases of fabrication and installation delivers excellence to stakeholders and art communities. With 40 years of experience in designing public art installations, Sonic Architecture's sculptural instruments offer the very best in unique or custom design and are crafted for extreme longevity.

Designed to engage all ages and skill levels in communal music making and sonic explorations, our innovative sound sculptures are available either individually or as an integrated ensemble for any outdoor recreational or educational setting. All of our sound sculptures are precision fabricated in the USA and designed for ultimate durability, low maintenance and easy bolt-down installation.

Sonic Architecture is:

Multi-Generational

People of all ages enjoy tapping out rhythms together. Discovering the vibrant world of rhythms and excitement. Different shapes and sizes make the drums inclusive for everyone.

Multi-Cultural

Drawing inspiration from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Sonic Architecture offers cultural resonance that can be heard and seen. Developed from years of study, travel, and performance, the sculptures reflect the richness and depth of the world's percussive traditions. Specific designs are available for unique communities and cultural traditions.

Interactive

Sculpture that resonates with the rhythms of the world offer communal music-making at all skill levels. Exploring tones, engaging different surfaces, and creating patterns add to cognitive development and new neural patterns.

FAQ's

Why Interactive?

We enhance your projects by incorporating public engagement and music making with award winning style. The sculptures bring families and all age groups together in communal music making. By playing music individually or as an intergenerational group, kids and adults gain cognitive and physical play skills. Our drums can be tailored to fit diverse cultural influences. In addition, we can create custom works that respond to light and wind as well as provide shade structures to shield from the sun.

Sound

Many of our artworks create no sound at all, and only augment speaking and listening. Others like the drums have a decibel range quieter than traffic noise or kids at a school playground. Traffic noise at your site? Ameliorate it with one of our sonic solutions such as Wind Reeds

Function

We design drums that are tables and seats that are drums. Innovation in design and elegance are integral to our mission.

Budget

We can combine any of our artworks in different configurations to meet any need and budget. Having worked closely with noted landscape architects, architects, municipalities, and state agencies for the past 30 years, we can design innovative solutions for tight spaces, mobility device access, and playgrounds sited over garages & rooftops. We have a design solution for almost any situation.

Configuration

Warranty

Sonic Architecture Inc warrants replacement of any items or components found to be defective during the manufacturer’s guarantee for a period of one year.

Safety

These are musical sculptures, not play equipment. No safety surface or fall zones are required.

ADA

All our products are designed to be configured to meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Why Stainless Steel?

It’s beautiful, lasts 100 years, no painting is required and sounds amazing!

Environmental Impact

The main source of raw material for making stainless steels is recycled scrap metal. Stainless adds little to the waste stream and has a life of 100 years or more.

Maintenance

Stainless steel is rugged, durable and lasts a lifetime. Graffiti clean up is quick and easy. All listening and speaking sculptures have grates to prevent leaves or debris from entering.