abstract

Sounds which accompany the human kind have been changing for years. The primary soundscape was quiet, then the Industrial Revolution came and drastically increased its volume. Consequently, the human ear got used to the noise, which became an integral soundtrack of developing cities of the 20th century.
By the end of the century, the excess noise became undesirable and has been viewed as a serious problem ever since. The increasing concern about sound pollution resulted in the reduction of noise in many areas: from the public sphere, through work places, to the interiors of our homes. Thus, surroundings in which we function become quieter.

Digital and electronic solutions which are so popular nowadays, cause the presently manufactured devices to make no sound when launched. It is frequently the case, that new sounds are being added to these devices in order for the quiet objects to be more understandable for the user. As a result, digitally-generated sounds shape the current soundscape in a significant way.

It is a common practice among designers to concentrate mainly on the visual aspect of a product. However, recently the design sector has started to pay more attention to the relation between visual layer and other senses. In some cases, the material used is chosen according to user’s preferences in terms of touch. Designers and stylists in the food industry consider visual aspects of equal importance as smell and taste.
Out of all the senses, one which is most frequently ignored by designers is the sense of hearing. In the light of the changing soundscape, as well as the new technological and material innovations, it seems that the time has come for furniture designers to shape the soundscape of our surroundings in a more deliberate way. It is high time for the sound to be included as a vital element of objects.

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