Sonic Room — Cultural Infrastructure for Deep Listening
SONIC ROOM installs professional listening spaces within private, institutional, public and commercial environments. Each installation transforms any physical space into a dedicated listening environment — an acoustically treated room equipped with high-fidelity speaker systems and atmospheric light settings, where visitors can access an extensive archive of sonic works spanning music, frequencies, compositions, field recordings, and sound art from diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographic sources.
The Project
SONIC ROOM transforms available space into a dedicated listening environment: acoustically treated, equipped with professional-grade speakers, and connected to a curated archive of exceptional sonic works spanning music, composition, field recordings, and sound art from across global traditions.
The project operates through the logic of the library: permanent infrastructure, curated holdings, self-directed access. Each installation is a permanent amenity — built for decades, not seasons.
IRCAM
Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music. Associated with Centre Pompidou, under the French Ministry of Culture. One of the world's largest public research centers dedicated to musical expression and scientific research. Founded by Pierre Boulez.
IRCAM Amplify
Subsidiary of IRCAM. Transforms decades of world-class acoustic research into practical applications. Provides Stereo-to-Spatial audio processing — the technology converting archive material into immersive spatial sound within each room.
Nonterritorial Foundation
The originating organization behind SONIC ROOM. Manages installation, curation, ongoing programming, and the international network. A nonprofit registered in England, operating across Europe and beyond.
Who It Serves
Municipalities
Public amenity in cultural centers, libraries, or civic spaces. Open access model. Alignment with EU cultural funding programs.
Educational Institutions
Universities, conservatories, schools, special education. Research infrastructure, student wellbeing resource, distinctive campus amenity.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric and oncology units. Patient waiting areas, staff respite, pre-operative calm environments.
Cultural Institutions
Museums, concert halls, public libraries. Dedicated sonic exhibition space, visitor respite, co-commissioning opportunities.
Corporate & Workplace
Headquarters, technology companies, creative studios. Focus restoration, employee wellbeing, talent attraction and retention value.
Correctional & Justice
Prisons, detention, probation, rehabilitation programs. Emotional regulation, de-escalation, restorative justice programming.
Configurations
All configurations include complete archive access, programming updates, new commissioned works, technical support, maintenance coordination, network membership, and cross-network communications.
Compact
15 seats
25–35 m² Community centers, clinics
Standard
25 seats
40–55 m² Hospitals, universities
Full
40 seats
60–80 m² Museums, large institutions
What It Delivers
01
Cultural Infrastructure
A permanent amenity comparable to a library or park — built for decades, not seasons. Each installation accumulates value through sustained presence in the institution.
02
Screen-Free Environment
A dedicated space where attention can reconstitute itself. Meaningful in hospitals, schools, and corporate environments where digital saturation is constant.
03
Professional Access
High quality speaker systems and acoustic treatment calibrated to each room. Equipment quality typically available only to recording studios — made accessible as public infrastructure.
04
Curated Archive
A continuously expanding collection of sonic works — classical repertoires, contemporary composition, field recordings, and sound art from global traditions, organized for discovery.
05
Network Membership
Connection to international SONIC ROOM installations. Shared programming, cross-network visibility, and access to a growing community of host institutions worldwide.
06
IRCAM Partnership
In partnership with IRCAM — the world's leading public institution for acoustic research, associated with Centre Pompidou. Stereo-to-Spatial processing by IRCAM Amplify in every installation.
Implementation
Nonterritorial Foundation manages the full process — acoustic assessment, treatment, equipment installation, calibration, and staff training. Compact and Standard configurations complete in 6–7 weeks. Full configuration in 10–12 weeks.
Contact
Foundation
Nonterritorial Foundation
4th Floor, Silverstream House
45 Fitzroy Street
London W1T 6EB
Enquiries
info@nonterritorial.foundation
+39 351 717 6405
+370 689 53282
Nordics representation:
Sonic Retreats AB
Platform
www.sonicroom.net/about
Full project documentation,
conceptual framework, and
the complete archive overview
available at the site above.