How many ways are there to listen to a place? “Sonic Topologies” presents a wide range of sonic research into Zurich’s urban landscape—underground and above ground, underwater and on the water. The project explores the sounds and acoustics of an empty reservoir, a botanical garden, a thermal bath, and a lake. In June 2022, we invited thirty sound artists, architects and researchers to develop concerts, talks, walks and workshops for these places. Their contributions reveal hidden and overlooked sounds and voices; the artists and scientists make spaces vibrate, shift their contexts, and connect them to distant locations and times; they enable encounters across species and disciplinary boundaries. With its manifold methods and instruments, the project not only reveals different aspects and potentials of the sites, but  also offers a versatile toolbox for sonic landscape research which we compiled in the form of a glossary of texts and photographs, as well as two vinyl records. 

The first record opens with acoustic stimulations of the empty reservoir chambers. Long reverberating vocal improvisations (A1, A2) are followed by resonant instrumental pieces for horn and electronics (A3) and water bowls (B1). The following pieces activate the Käferberg thermal bath with speakers both in and above water. A synthesizer composition makes the different speeds of sound audible (B2), while an ambient piece immerses us in an intimate world of vocal and harmonic waves (B3). 

The second record introduces the fauna and flora of the botanical garden: A chronological montage traces the morning birds in spring (C1). Laser recordings reveal the hidden vibrational world of summer insects (C2). An electronic piece tells us the history of botanical plants (C3). The record closes with live performances on the lake: a rowing boat with underwater piano wires (D1) and a drum duo on two other boats, disappearing into the acoustic horizon of the lake (D2). Sound exercises at the end of each side invite the listeners to explore their own environment and dimensions of listening.  (Ludwig Berger (Chair of Landscape Architecture of Christophe Girot, ETH Zurich)