8-channel/Stereo Digital-Analogue Converter (2011-2012)

The aim of this DAC was to provide for both stereo and octaphonic output. Using the latest Buffalo-III DAC module from Twisted Pear Audio, this project also integrates a headphone amplifier for live monitoring. The DAC can accept frequencies up to 384kHz across ABS/EBU, coax, TOSLINK, and USB connections. An Arduino using HiFiDuino-based code will provide for an interface complete with input switching and volume control. This project is a work in progress.

2- to 8-channel Switcher (2011)

A simple device to mix down 8 channels of audio into 2. This was used in my DAC project.

Hydrophone (2011)

This device uses two piezoelectric microphones, coupled with a specialized amplifier circuit to create a stereo-sonic sound account of what is witnessed below the surface of water. The casing is made from acrylic and uses rubber gaskets sandwiched between layers to create a waterproof seal. The device is filled with canola oil (as this liquid does not conduct electricity) to prevent it from floating in the water.

The hydrophone was designed to have both microphones placed at the same distance as the spacing of the ears. This helps to produce a more accurate sound signature, and allows sounds to be calculated across a single axis. This means that the hydrophone can detect, say, the sound of a motorboat going from left to right, and reproduce this sound accurately. The hydrophone uses a waterproof connector and shielded cable to carry data to a receiving box at the end, which can either be plugged into a pair of headphones for active monitoring or connected to a recording device.

TA.KA.JI.KU.N Lighting Project (2011)

Five LED light modules bear the words "TAKAJI KUN" (たかじくん). Each module's faceplate was designed in AutoCAD, and then produced with a laser cutter and black acrylic. The idea for this project is to interface the modules with an Arduino/XBee wireless system to create a notification device that can signal changes from a wide range of data.

Hesperides Garden Design (2010)

The Hesperides project was done during my time at Sputnik Architecture. Taken from the project brief:

"Everyone has a secret. We want people to think about their secrets. Why do we keep them? Three, folded, ephemeral, whispering nymphs grace the garden, waiting, listening, and seducing visitors to speak their secrets.

The nymphs Hesperides were not allowed to interfere with human affairs - at Jardin Metis, they will serve only as a conduit for human sounds. Each nymph will be equipped with a small microphone and a speaker. A visitor, who chooses to speak to a nymph, will have their message quietly whispered by another nymph somewhere in the garden or across Canada in a small garden in Winnipeg.

The garden in Winnipeg will whisper back to Jardin Metis. On occasions the whispers will go unheard, other times listeners will hear and perhaps respond. Responses, however, will find the ears of new listeners due to the configuration of the circuitry. In this way, secrets will be preserved and boundaries of privacy will remain intact."

View information on the team.

Millett MAX (2010)

After building a Millett MAX headphone amplifier circuit, I designed a pine and Tyndall stone case to accompany the circuitry, with a unifying theme of using Manitoba materials. The wood is pine from nearby Silver, Manitoba and the Tyndall stone comes from a quarry in Garson, Manitoba.

pimeta v2 Headphone Amplifier (2010)

Similar to the Millett MAX project, the pimeta v2 headphone amplifier was constructed from a self-assembled kit and cased in a custom-designed metal housing. The faceplates and drill setups were assembled and designed in AutoCAD, and then created using a metal etch process to place text on the plates.

Attenuator (2010)

The Khozmo Acoustic stepped attenuator circuit is a specialized device used for controlling volume levels. The faceplates for the case were designed in AutoCAD and created using a metal etch process to place text on the plates.

Calling Cards (2010)

My first calling cards were designed in AutoCAD and created using calendared vinyl on a laser cutter. The card could be scratched or held to the lips and blown through, to create different subtle ultrasonic sounds. The sounds could then be detected using my ultrasonic detector.

Montrèal Water Purification Project (2010)

This model was a public fountain system and water filtration system that was meant to occupy two Montrèal silos. The intention was for water to be drawn in from the canal through a pipeline, filtered, and then outputted into the fountain system and distributed into the municipal water supply.

I used the solenoid valves to control the water flow between components. Once one basin was filled, the valve would open and the pump would shut off until that water was passed to the next component, and then the process would repeat itself. The sounds of dripping, spraying, and ultrasonic noise was all present in this model. Nozzles shaped the water to create temporal forms. Ultrasonic detectors repeated their parasitic role in the architecture to highlight these "inaudible" sounds.

The entire system was supplied by two pumps and controlled by five solenoid valves. Check valves and one-way valves ensured that flow in the system was consistent. However, the occasional sputter of pipes due to pressure changes (either through the solenoid valves or manual control of the hand valves) caused the pipes to shake and vibrate, further adding to the aural symphony of sounds.

Sound recording of the filtration system, as it is being controlled by the solenoid valves.
Link to the portfolio on this work.

Wireless Solenoid Valve System (2010)

As I explored my interest in sound, I began to focus on ultrasonic sound, and producing it by means of water movement. At Concordia University in Montrèal, Canada I constructed a tube and valve system using electronic solenoid valves. As the water coursed through the pipes, microphones would pick up human-audible sounds and amplify them through an octaphonic speaker system. At the same time, ultrasonic sound would be detected and converted into a human-audible range by means of my ultrasonic detectors, which acted as parasitic listeners.

The intention with this project was to use ultrasonic sound to create fields of sound, which in turn would create a temporary, ephemeral delineated space, and ultimately contribute to an architectural intervention at a chosen site. This system used the wireless XBee system to control the solenoid valves in different patterns. The act of the valves closing different parts of the water circuit caused pressure changes at critical points, which caused changes in the frequency of sound being emitted.

Presentation Stand (2010)

The display stand was intended to be used during presentations to exhibit work. Wood from my farm in Silver, Manitoba was used, and the entire project was made by hand. The intention was to create a form that was organic in nature, and reflected the natural landscape. In this way, the object would evoke the environment that the materials were gathered from.

Made in collaboration with James Rubio and Fieldon Eddy.

Link to the portfolio on this work.

Ultrasonic Fountain (2009)

As my first investigation into ultrasonic sound in architecture, I created a "fountain" using copper pipe that could be modulated with hand valves. The listener would use an ultrasonic detector while turning various valves, which in turn would change the pressure in the fountain. The various loops and curves represented my attempt to create "fast" or "slow" sounds by controlling the flow of the water through gravity.

A night/day dichotomy with this piece was interpreted into its on and off states. While the machine was off, all that existed was the skeleton, and while it was on, the water created temporary spaces and boundaries that were further evinced by the sounds generated. At its peak, the fountain could spray several feet into the air.

Video of the fountain in action.
Link to the portfolio on this work.

Ultrasonic Listener & Piezo Contact Microphone (2009)

Ultrasonic listener, which translated ultrasonic signals into an audible hearing range for humans. The original signal was divided by seven in the circuit, and then outputted through an attached speaker.

The piezoelectric contact microphone was a stereo microphone that had been rubberized, making it easy to use in the field and apply to different mediums to receive sound.

Sound Notations (2009)

At the start of my work with sound, I was asked to record sounds that were interesting to me, in order to investigate whatever phenomena I would find. This is turn would lead into an architectural investigation with a focus on the phenomena. I then created notational drawings as a graphical representation of what I heard. I used digital drawing methods to illustrate the sounds, which were superimposed on photos of the locations where the sounds came from.

Subterranean Museum (2009)

The subterranean museum was built under the ruins of an old garage in Point Douglas, Winnipeg and was meant as a means of cataloguing the Red River, which was nearby to the site. While part of the underground space was treated as an archaeological site and "discovered" as the site was dug out, other parts revealed complex architectures from times past, such as columns, and an old mine shaft.

Link to the portfolio on this work.

Duchamp Theatre (2008)

In reference to Marcel Duchamp's work The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even. The ephemeral qualities of light were examined and transformed into a physical representation as a cathartic response to their flickering and spatial habits. The viewing theatre invited the viewer to don a pair of headphones and listen to a recorded sound of echoes, clicks and buzzes, while LEDs inside the box translated the sound into light.

Link to the portfolio on this work.

Meditation Space (2008)

The meditation space was a polished concrete monolith with entrances on all four sides. Four wooden-panel walls served as bisectors in order to divide the space as needed. Larger groups would keep the walls pushed out, while a small group could seclude themselves in one section with two walls pushed in.

SkullSpace

SkullSpace is Winnipeg's first and only hackerspace/makerspace, founded in late 2010. The group's objective is to provide a space where like-minded people can share ideas and knowledge, and collaborate on a variety of projects. As the Operations Manager, I am responsible for our lease and the general management of the space. Since only June 2011, we have been able to transform the space by erecting walls, installing wiring, and investing in a variety of equipment solely from member contributions. SkullSpace has been successfully partnering with other Winnipeg usergroups to provide a meeting space and regularly holds monthly Hackathons and workshops. More information at skullspace.ca (link opens in a new page).

Read about SkullSpace in the Winnipeg Free Press, from Sept. 27 2011! (Link opens in a new page.)

AssentWorks

AssentWorks is a rapid prototyping lab in Winnipeg. The lab is partnered with SkullSpace by sharing a floor in a downtown warehouse. AssentWorks is non-profit, and through the support of corporate sponsors it has been able to purchase specialised machinery such as laser cutters, plasma cutters, Shop Bots, 3D printers, environmental control chambers, and much more. I was involved in the initial startup of AssentWorks by providing help with renovations. More information at assentworks.ca (link opens in a new page).

Photos courtesy of AssentWorks