Project Type: Arts & Culture Audio Design
Location: London, UK
Year: 2020
Client: Burberry
SDS Role: Architectural Audio Consultancy
Project Context
In 2020 Sonic Design Studios delivered a site-specific sonic installation for a premier Burberry runway presentation in London. Functioning as the lead architectural audio consultancy for the event, our team was tasked with developing an environment where sound, fashion, and spatial design were treated entirely as a single unified composition. This project forms part of our [arts & culture audio design](/arts-culture) work, where sound is treated as part of the spatial and cultural experience.
Design Constraint
Fashion runway events require immense precision and the audio must perfectly complement the visual narrative. The primary design constraint for this project dictated that the sound needed to shape the atmosphere and guide the movement of the show. The audio system had to support the underlying narrative of the collection flawlessly without ever competing with the garments for the audience's attention.
Sonic Concept
Rather than concealing the audio equipment as hidden infrastructure, our sonic concept embraced the hardware as a visual element. We specified highly sculptural Pequod Acoustics loudspeakers and presented them within custom glass enclosures. By doing so, the audio equipment actively formed part of the visual language of the show.
Integration Approach
Our integration moves ensured the system delivered a controlled and highly immersive soundscape across the entire runway environment. This strategic placement and system tuning reinforced the pacing and rhythm of the live presentation while remaining visually restrained and conceptually appropriate for the luxury fashion brand.
Project Outcome
The completed project resulted in a seamless integration of sound and high fashion. By bringing the audio into the conceptual design phase, we ensured that the sound system became an integral part of the design language rather than a mere technical afterthought. The installation successfully elevated the runway experience, delivering premium audio fidelity that perfectly matched the prestige of the Burberry collection.
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