We talk about acoustic design on a regular basis at our company, but there are many times when it doesn't get across.
This is due to the fact that the previous understanding of sound in a space and the difference between music services (BGM) and auditory design have not been clearly defined.
In order to help everyone understand, we will now explain the differences between this service and other BGM services, which have been kept secret until now.
Overview of the conventional BGM business
Most of the music heard at many work sites comes from background music distribution services.
The service is
・Many songs available
・Users can choose the channel that best suits the atmosphere of the space.
This is the general content.
There are also services that offer their own original background music.
The benefits are
You can use the service at a low cost
There are lots of songs
・Provide a space experience that never gets boring
And so on.
But is the music used as background music actually made for a space?
In order to enhance the spatial experience, we explored issues regarding background music.
Issue #1 with BGM: "The music wasn't made for the space."
BGM issue #2: "The music composition is not edited for the space."
Each song is created based on the musician's ideas and set themes.
I've repurposed it as background music.
If you have a specific reason for using this service, such as sound having a small role in the space or this presentation being sufficient within your budget, then I think there is no problem with using this service.
However, in spaces where the role of sound is important, this could actually have a negative impact on the interior and spatial experience.
The reason is that the overbearing melodies and the changing tone and atmosphere of each song make the world view that has been so painstakingly created seem completely stale.
The space is filled with a mixture of time, entertainment, services, and people that can only be found in that space.
I believe that music weaves all these elements together to create a comfortable moment.
Chousei Design is an intangible interior design that uses sound as a material
When designing an interior, you consider the concept, purpose, age group, experience, etc., and in audioscape design we do the same by considering all the elements of the space and designing the appropriate acoustic design and music (which we call audioscape sound).
While conventional BGM services are functional only, Auditory Design combines elements of both function and design.
Up until now, music services for spaces have lacked design.
There are several companies that produce original music, but at our company, we don't just think about the concept; we work hard to create an environment that makes the people there feel comfortable.
The current perception of background music among clients and the public is that it's cheap, quick and there 's a ton of music available.
Because I had been using ready-made products up until now, I had never had the opportunity to learn how music is made and how it affects a space.
By changing this way of thinking, your awareness of sound in your environment and space will change.
For this reason, our design area extends to making clients realize that the sound environment is also important .
Creating the right environment is important, but the first step is to change people's attitudes.
The Position of BGM Services and Auditory Scene Design
Although they are both spatial services, their positioning is clearly different.
Company A is a background music distribution service that is characterized by its smooth implementation and large selection of songs.
Company B is an original music production company for other companies. We cannot disclose the price, but they produce music for events, showrooms, and commercial facilities.
Comparing Shokugei Design with Company B, it seems that the difference lies in the fact that they create music with a design based on a concept, while also adding functionality.
Furthermore, there may also be differences in the diversity of expression (although this is purely subjective).
When we explore the relationship between the sounds that make up a piece of music and the environment, we find that even subtle changes to the volume, sound quality, melody, number of notes, and tone of sounds A, B, and C that make up the piece of music can greatly change the atmosphere and impression.
One of our company's specialties is careful design, which makes these differences visible and convinces clients, but an actual demonstration will likely convey the idea better.
Experience effect
Auditory design does not have immediate effects.
If you require immediate results, it would be better to use existing background music or have someone create music with more impact.
The graph below shows the results of a survey conducted when creating an audiovisual design for an office.
Services that use existing content have an immediate effect due to the speed of introduction, existing content, and low cost.
However, since this is not an environmentally friendly service, its effectiveness is gradually decreasing.
However, this is just one example, as the effects may last depending on the site.
When designing audioscapes, we take the environment into consideration, but we make a point of not making the content (auditory sound) that we create in the process too impactful.
This is because the space is the subject and the music functions as part of that environment.
If the music is too impactful, it will dominate the space, or it will be an element that contains too much information, which will prevent you from having the experience you were originally looking for.
Although acoustic design takes some time to blend in with the environment, we aim to create an experience where the sounds that naturally reach your ears are comforting.
Please check before consulting us
The amount will be increased by one or two zeros compared to Company A, so please check before consulting us.
What level of quality are you looking for?
Can the budget be secured?
・Do you need sound in that space?
I would like you to think about this.
The reason why the third item is in the red is because there are some locations here where we feel that the spatial value would be increased if there was no background music.
It's not healthy to fill every corner with background music.
You also need to consider the negative aspects of the design and see if they are really necessary.
Below is a comparison table of office services. (Only running costs are shown.)
The specific amount will be set taking into consideration the size of the space, its purpose, and the items to be presented.
We are happy to answer even simple questions such as "I don't know what kind of music to use in this space."
For commercial spaces, we can provide branding and comfort, and for office spaces, especially workspaces, we can provide acoustic control, comfort, and a stylish environment.
The office also has other spaces such as a cafe space, communication space, and entrance, so we can change the value we provide depending on the purpose.
Thank you for reading to the end.
I look forward to seeing you at the next demonstration.
Kamiyama Chokei Office Co., Ltd.
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