Momentum

Exploring sonic practices Thanks to support from the Opus Foundation, RISD is now able to support advanced sound studies.

With students eager to compose, design and perform digital works that incorporate sound, RISD has opened a state-of-the-art sound studio. The new space on the mezzanine level of the library building at 15 Westminster Street provides access to the latest immersive audio technology.

The studio serves as a classroom, workspace and research laboratory that provides an ideal setting to teach sonic arts and sound design courses offered through the recently launched Computation, Technology and Culture concentration and the graduate department of Digital + Media. It also promises to open up a new world of sound studies to firstyear students in Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS), and offers space for hosting visiting lectures and workshops by designers, artists and technologists, among others.

“Sound has long been an important influence and element in the work of RISD students,” says Associate Professor and EFS Programs Head Shawn Greenlee 96 PR. “Student interest in the sonic arts, sound design and audio programming is now stronger than ever. After many years without a dedicated space for focused study in sound, RISD’s new studio not only meets an existing need but also supports new areas of inquiry and interdisciplinary potential.”