In a time when many physical forms of our memories, such as photo albums and cultural ephemera, are disappearing into the vast digital world, what forms of collective memory will future generations have? One possible answer has been presented by the London-based design studio, Map Project Office.
Map Project Office collaborated with the sound design and composition studio Father to create a hybrid device that combines digital capabilities with a fine heirloom object—capable of capturing the emotional depth of personal experiences through sound. The result is a speculative design project called "Sonic Heirloom," designed to facilitate deeper interactions with memories that may be lost due to their temporality.
At the heart of the project is a portable recording puck that encourages users to capture live sounds from significant experiences. Once the sound is recorded, the puck is placed in its permanent home within a glass vitrine. During playback, the brass-hued bell at the center of the piece rotates according to the sound emitted by the player, resting perfectly on the bell like a record needle. As usage continues, the sound of the bell becomes enriched with the unique resonance of the recording, adding depth to the listening experience.
Jake Weir, the creative director of Map Project Office, commented on the collaboration: "Sonic Heirloom is rooted in thorough and intriguing research that led us down various paths of exploration. Our goal was to create a new physical archetype that reflects the concept while remaining both meaningful and unexpected," he said.
The concept is inspired by the role of historical sonic mediums such as bells and clocks, which mark time and organize daily rituals. Based on this, Map Project Office and Father had the bell crafted in a traditional foundry using pre-existing tin and brass to capture a unique sonic signature.
In the digital age, where change occurs rapidly and physical objects reach unprecedented levels of disposability, the sense of continuity and permanence is fading. Through this speculative project, Map Project Office and Father invite people to listen more deeply and mindfully, holding onto significant moments in an entirely new way.
