Every object that surrounds us emits small sounds; sudden tremors and vibrations that aren't usually detected by the human ear, product of the activity and movement of daily life.
If these sounds were audible, in what way would they change our hearing attention and our perception of apparently inanimated objects that surround us? Is it possible we would look at these objects as new instruments, or would they continue to be seen as mere background sound to our daily life?
The Madsound project is a different proposal, created by the Royal Arts College. Its goal is to explore new ways of appreciating the environment, space and objects, through the identification, combination and manipulation of apparently inexistent sounds.
To fullfill this goal, they created the OTTO (which means 'ear' in Greek), a device that enables you to listen to hidden and tenuous sounds. This gadget works thanks to a small polymer piezoelectric which, when in direct contact with a surface, detects the smallest vibrations, transforming it into sound through a connected speaker. This device can be placed in practically any surface, thanks to a combination of suction and magnets. By placing various OTTOs in different objects you can create new sonic experiences and reinvent your own environment.