ætherspace is a computational garment that uses transducers of electro-magnetic waves to make hertzian space audible, make the invisible sonic, giving the wearer a better understanding of the electronically-embodied world.

Transducers pick up the various components of hertzian space as you walk around. These components feed to a scaling algorithm that brings the range of hertzian space to that of normal hearing and can be perceived through the headphones.

The project raises questions such as: What does a cell phone sound like when it is idle in a bag? What do dangerous EM waves sound like? Should the scaling algorithm take into account the perceived danger of certain types of EM radiation, e.g., make gamma waves a high-pitched screeching noise? If so, how would this change our interaction with space? Since humans give off much heat, should the scaling algorithm make infrared radiation sound pleasing? Would such a mapping cause us to desire interaction with strangers?

Honorary Mentions at Ars Electronica’s The Next Idea.

Designed by Nick Knouf.
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Related: Electroprobes, the Amazing All-Band Radio, and Urban Chameleon.