Yijing Chen

"Future sonic archives of Paddington"

Section MS11, Mhamad Safa

Keywords: sound, soundscapes, field recording, memory

This project explores and captures the auditory landscape of economic production in the Paddington area in 2024, preserving them as both a reflection of contemporary life and a memory archive for future generations. Through recording financial activities of urban environments, such as the sound of Vehicles, construction, and machines—this work constructs a sonic archive that reflects the fleeting sensory reality of the present moment. The project aims to create a bridge between generations, inviting future listeners to experience a form of temporal continuity through sound. It serves as a reminder that the sounds of the present, often overlooked or forgotten, are key markers of cultural and social contexts. By embedding these sounds in a tangible format, "Future Sonic Archives" becomes both an artistic expression and an acoustic documentary. The hope is that future listeners will engage with the work, reflecting on the lives, environments, and histories captured within these sonic traces.