Strings & Machines is a leader in activating public and private environments with innovative approaches to sound, softening traffic and other background noise, bringing into relief the natural environment, and providing engaging counterpoints across space, with solutions for both intimate and expansive gardens. Our approach is to first create a sculptural sound generator, such as the polycarbonate pyramids pictured, that has a place in the landscape.

The clear material can be surfaced, painted, etched or otherwise transformed to suit the landscape and the clients' interests. The pyramids are activated for sound by small transducers. The materials are weatherproof. Standard burial speaker cable is required to connect back to an amplifier. The next step is the composition of a soundscape which reflects the environment, incorporating instruments, birdsong, wind, water, spoken word, and geographically dispersed influences as appropriate to the

garden environment. Each composition is tailored to the location and completely unique. Sound materials are saved on a computer, and custom software is used to disperse the sounds through space and time. The installations are programmed to follow cycles of activity, with calm in the morning hours, building throughout the afternoon, providing meditative moments or spontaneous bursts as appropriate. Slavonice Portrait Sept 20, 2006 Nocturnal Garden Sound Experimental Sculpture Garden Laboratory (open to the public 4-8pm, July 29, 2006)