Spherical Symphony: The Architecture of Sound and Space

Project Profile

1. Project Statement

Spherical Symphony (闻籁) is a transformative architectural installation within the Dongyuegu Music and Performance Valley, where space and sound converge to create a sensory experience unlike any other. Designed as an immersive soundscape, this installation consists of two nested concrete cones strategically positioned among the surrounding service buildings. The form and materiality of the structure amplify and modulate sound, turning the space into a living instrument—one that plays with echoes, reverberations, and the natural acoustics of its environment. This is not a conventional concert hall. It is an open-ended musical landscape where visitors do not simply listen to performances but become part of the acoustic experience. Every footstep, every whisper, every movement interacts with the architecture to create a dynamic interplay of sound and space.

2. Design Strategy

Concept and Design Inspiration

Inspired by the resonance chambers of traditional musical instruments, Spherical Symphony draws on principles of sound physics and spatial acoustics. The nested concrete cones create a layered system of reflection and absorption, where sound waves bounce between curved walls, generating a continuously evolving auditory experience. The inner cone acts as a resonating chamber, intensifying sounds produced within, while the outer cone captures and modulates ambient noises from the surrounding environment. A skywalk cuts through the cones across four levels, allowing visitors to engage with the space from multiple perspectives. As they ascend, the auditory experience shifts—lower levels provide a rich, immersive bass-like resonance, while the higher levels offer a lighter, more ethereal acoustic quality. This vertical journey through sound transforms passive listeners into active participants, shaping their own sensory experience as they explore.

Spatial and Acoustic Qualities

The primary function of Spherical Symphony is to amplify the relationship between architecture and sound. The curvature of the concrete walls prevents sound from dissipating in a linear fashion, instead encouraging echoes to linger and morph as they travel. The result is an ever-changing soundscape that varies based on weather conditions, visitor movement, and even the time of day. Natural elements play a crucial role in this installation. Wind passing through the open sections of the cones creates a whispering effect, blending with the ambient sounds of nature. Rainfall generates a rhythmic drumming on the concrete surfaces, while footsteps on the skywalk add an unpredictable percussive layer. At night, subtle lighting integrated into the structure highlights the texture of the concrete and enhances the otherworldly quality of the space.

Cultural and Ecological Significance

Spherical Symphony is more than an artistic intervention—it is a celebration of the deep connection between music, nature, and architecture. The installation echoes the traditional Chinese philosophy of “闻籁” (listening to nature’s sounds), where the wind, rain, and natural reverberations are perceived as a form of divine music. By framing these natural phenomena within an architectural space, the project transforms them into an interactive cultural experience. Ecologically, the design of Spherical Symphony aligns with sustainable principles. The concrete used in construction incorporates recycled materials, while the open-air design ensures natural ventilation, eliminating the need for artificial climate control. The structure’s placement within the landscape allows it to function as an acoustic filter, softening urban noise pollution while enhancing the natural sounds of the environment.

3. Conclusion

Spherical Symphony (闻籁) redefines what a performance space can be. Rather than confining music to a traditional stage, it liberates sound into the open, allowing architecture and acoustics to perform together. This installation invites visitors to listen, to move, to experiment, and to become part of the sonic landscape. As an integral piece of the Dongyuegu Music and Performance Valley, it embodies a new paradigm in spatial experience—one where architecture is not merely a backdrop for performance but an active participant in the creation of sound.