Artist Residency

Courtesy of 4DSOUND

Architecture on Sound offers one individual practitioner, a duo, or studio working at the intersection of sound and space, the opportunity to undertake a residency exploring architecture through spatial audio.

Architecture is traditionally conceived through form, structure, material and light, with sound treated as something to be controlled or optimised afterwards. This residency asks: what if architecture began with sound?

We consider sound a fundamental force shaping spatial experience and invite participants to adopt it as a first principle of architectural thinking — shifting the question from ‘How should this space sound?’ to ‘How can sound generate space?’

From caves and churches to theatres, architecture has long shaped sound. Today, spatial audio, virtual acoustics and immersive media allow us to prototype responsive environments, impossible architectures and sonic spaces beyond physical constraints. This residency provides the time, tools and expertise to rethink architectural practice through sound and explore how sonic thinking can reshape how we design, perceive and imagine space.

Residents will develop an independent artistic research project using the 4DSOUND system, supported by spatial audio specialists and artistic mentors. The residency encourages speculative interdisciplinary and practice-based research that contributes to the broader programme of Futures of Listening.

More general info about the residency, like financial compensation and support, can be found here.

We are not only interested in artworks but also new methods, insights and creative infrastructures. Outcomes may include installations, spatial audio compositions, performances, audiovisual works, software prototypes, reusable methodologies, modular interfaces or other contributions that expand how spatial sound can be created, experienced and understood. Where appropriate, participants may collaborate with a 4DSOUND software developer to prototype new tools. We equally encourage applications from practitioners who already develop their own software, hardware or creative technologies and wish to advance these as part of their artistic practice.

Applicants should position their proposal in relation to one or more of the following questions:

1. How can sound become a first principle in architectural and spatial design?

2. How can architectural design and the acoustic properties of space inform the creation, perception and experience of spatial sound?

3. How can artistic research shape the future tools, interfaces and methods of spatial sound creation?

Possible research directions include dedicated acoustic spaces, virtual or impossible acoustics, emotional perception, public space, speculative architecture, image and sound, responsive environments, modular interfaces, creative tools and software development.

Lead Researcher: Poul Holleman - Co-founder and Director, 4DSOUND; Lecturer Creative Systems Design, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht.

Research Support: Brecht De Man - Head of Research, PXL; Thesis Supervisor, Art of Sound.

Residents will develop an independent artistic research project using the 4DSOUND system, supported by spatial audio specialists and artistic mentors. The residency encourages speculative, interdisciplinary and practice‑based research that contributes to the broader research programme of Futures of Listening.

Outcomes may include installations, spatial audio compositions, performances, audiovisual works, software prototypes, reusable methodologies, modular interfaces or other contributions that expand how spatial sound can be created, experienced and understood. Where relevant, participants may collaborate with a 4DSOUND software developer to prototype new tools. We equally encourage applications from practitioners who already develop their own software, hardware or creative technologies.

The total residency fee is €7.125, consisting of 25 commissioned days at a day rate of €285. Out of those 25 days, 6 days can be spent at the 4DSOUND studio, collaborating with their team.

There is space for some additional financial support if needed (incl. material costs or travel costs). These costs need to be clearly defined and agreed on before the start of the residency.

The residency invites architects, while also encouraging applications from scenographers, spatial designers, installation artists, sound artists, composers, creative technologists and other practitioners working at the intersection of sound and space.

Applicants should demonstrate experience with sound-based practice and explain how their proposal contributes to one or more of the residency's research questions.

Applicants must be based in the Netherlands and registered as an artist with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

Experience in creative coding, software development or hardware prototyping is welcome but not required, collaboration with a residency-provided developer may be possible.

Aimée Theriot (4DSOUND & Futures of Listening)
Allegra Greher (FIBER & Futures of Listening)
Jarl Schulp (FIBER & Futures of Listening)
Poul Holleman (4DSOUND & Futures of Listening Researcher)
Robin Koek (Futures of Listening)