(Sounds are still being worked on and may be different when finalised.)

NOTE: The sound on this website is low-bitrate Windows Media Audio. This format was chosen because it allows real-time, stereo audio streaming over a dial-up Internet connection; not everyone has broadband. The sound used for the actual installations is of a far higher quality. Installations feature other sound-works in addition to those on this website.

Click here to see a diagram of the technical equipment.

Background and introduction

Life is increasingly hectic and with this in mind I thought it would be good to offer people a chance to slow down and relax and to take a break from the stresses of daily life. I believe that this opportunity should be widely available and accessible to all.

For some time now I have been thinking of combining relaxing sounds with music and taking these into public spaces but I wasn't sure how to realise this idea.

At first I considered offering the installation to churches, as I thought their calm atmosphere could greatly enhance the effect of the experience. However, it occurred to me that if people were in church they might well find the presence of sound/music an unwelcome distraction, preferring to pray, meditate or simply sit in silence in a calm place. Another consideration was that some people may not be at ease going into a church in the first place and would therefore feel excluded from the event. Galleries didn't seem to be the answer either, as they seemed unlikely to have enough seating, and the conversations of people discussing the artworks could be distracting to those enjoying the relaxing music of the installation.

Strolling in Victoria Park (Stafford, England) one day I realised that the bandstand would be an excellent site for this project. The beautiful location is close to the town centre, allowing excellent "on the doorstep" access and is surrounded by trees, effectively reducing outside noise. There is plenty of room to move around and through the site, which has a good number of park benches in the bandstand area for people to sit or lie down on.

Refreshments are available from the nearby chalet, and toilet facilities are also available within easy reach.

A high-quality stereo sound system will play relaxing music mixed with sounds from nature... e.g. the sounds of wind, water, birdsong, all of which help to mask traffic noise.