Description of the authors:

"Summoned Voices acts as a living memory of people and place. It consists of a series of door installations each with an inter- com, sound system and a computer that is networked to a central file and database server. The design metaphor of the door presents a familiar scenario, that of announcing oneself at a doorway and waiting for a response from persons unknown. Signage instructs the public to speak, make sounds or sing into the intercom. Their voice is stored and inter-preted, and results in local playback composed of the individual's voice with those that have gone before. Summoned Voices acts as an interpreter of sound, a message board and an imprint of a community - a place for expression, reflection and surprise.

At first glance the mode of interaction at the door would seem a simple one - pressing a single button and leaving a message. The complexities of the human

 

voice however provide rich material for interpretation by the computer system and participants quickly realise that they can influence the sonic response by varying their voice. For example: a sung voice often recalls other sung material - shouting, more shouting or harsh sounds - whistling, other whistled fragments or even the call tones of mobile phones. Playback lasts between 10 seconds to up to 2 or 3 minutes depending on the length of the message and individuals can interrupt the playback to add new messages for interpretation. Playback occurs after a brief pause when the individual releases the intercom button. Through observation, participants generally leave more than one message. On hearing the response to their first they vary the message, engaging in vocal play exploring the variety of sounds and word combinations they can elicit. Often people engage with the work in groups taking turns to add messages and commonly improvising around a particular theme or idea. The networked nature of Summoned Voices enables multiple indi-