Soundscape
A new glass which generates sound – created by Japanese glass technology firm AGC Asahi Glass – was among the material innovations unveiled at Milan Design Week 2018. An ethereal soundscape designed in collaboration with Japanese architect Motosuke Mandai was installed within the vaults of Milan Central Station to showcase the discreet technology.
The material, currently under development at AGC, uses a new type of laminated glass that's been manufactured to emit clear sound rather than the usual characteristics of glass such as resonance and reverberations.
Soundscape features shards of glass suspended from the ceiling by metal rods. Each shard emits different sounds from nature, such as water droplets or rustling leaves. As users walk through the space, they experience a multi-layered auditory experience, where sounds can be sensed differently depending on where they are located in the exhibit.