Nature Noises In NY Subway

The 96th Street Station of the New York Subway is a bustling, noisy place. Artists and MTA staff are hoping a sound installation of nature sounds will calm the urban scene.

1 minute read

July 6, 2009, 10:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The sounds will accompany a new artwork by designers Sigi Moeslinger and Masamichi Udagawa of stainless steel flowers that will sway as if in a breeze.

"Nearly 200 stainless-steel flowers will hang 12 feet above the turnstiles, mounted in staggered patterns across seven ceiling beams. The flowers, weighing about three pounds apiece, will be allowed to sway slightly, creating the effect of a shimmering garden levitating above the stairways that lead down to the platforms.

The nature noises, which are pending final review by the authority's staff, would be focused by directional speakers on small areas of the station, allowing riders to "walk through" the sounds."

FULL STORY: A Calming Presence Amid the Groans and Screeches

Monday, July 6, 2009 in The New York Times

Transportation New York Public Art Subway Acoustics

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