Amplified Rebar investigates the interior resonance of concrete through the integration of an extended steel reinforcement structure that is simultaneously structural and musical. While concrete possesses an incredible compressive capacity, in architectural situations often it is unable to withstand the necessary tensile forces on its own. As a result, grids of steel are cast within the material as a support mechanism. In this instance, the same steel which provides support to the thinly cast block of concrete is extended and able to vibrate, causing the mass itself to resonate.

​

While the wall installation necessitates a user to physically interact with the rebar reinforcement to enact vibration, the system will be further developed to self-produce soundscapes through the changing environmental and structural forces acting upon it.

​

Shaping Sound seminar led by Assistant Professor of Music Marianthi Papalexandri-Alexandri

Sibley Hall at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York

2017