Walking machine

Walking machine, by Jessica Thompson, is a portable audio piece designed to enable wearers to move through the streets hearing and broadcasting the amplified sound of their own footsteps in real time.

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By broadcasting the sound directly as a result of his or her own motion and gesture, the wearer becomes controller, performer and audience (and a Minister of Silly Walks?). The effect is that of a private game in public space, where movement and gesture become a means of articulating presence and the simple act of walking becomes both legitimized and liberated through technological intervention.

The piece consists of two lapel microphones modified to clip to low-cut shoes, a mini amplifier and a set of headphones.

More images.

Sonic shoes: the Siren Shoes which make a loud noise when both feet are on the ground at the same time; the SEVEN MILE BOOTS have two different modes: when walking, the wearer strolls through the net, when standing still he/she can listen to several chat rooms; the ClickSneaks look like sneakers, sound like high heels and Ephemeral Gumboots, a human/computer-dance/music interactive system.

Via pm gallery and netzwissenschaft.