The Observatory Project: Time Scale

2021

This not-measuring event ¹ was part of A ROOM THAT ECHOES, a festival of immersive music, surround sound, and deep-listening organised by The Audio Foundation in 2021.

Listen to the event here.

Scheduled between 2pm and 6pm on Sunday 1st August 2021, The Observatory Project conducted a public observation with equipment provided by the Generally Relative Acoustic Mass Sense Society (GRAMSS). Utilising the new Adaptable Sound Interferometry Equipment (A SINE), members of the observatory carried out an experiment seeking to not-measure the effect/affect/no-effect of mass on a field of elastic sound for a duration of 44 minutes and 21 seconds.

¹ A central focus of our project is to engage with scientists to research different approaches to measurement and observation. We will research this through our concept of 'not-measuring events'. Not-measuring differs from simply not taking measurements. To make a not-measurement, the action of measuring is performed with an intention to not produce data. Any traces of a not-measuring event act as documentation, reframing the measurement as an artwork. These events interrupt the normal processes of making measurements and observations by focusing on the act of 'measuring as making'.

The Observatory Project is supported through funding from Creative New Zealand