TANT APROP, TANT LLUNY (FAR AWAY, SO CLOSE), 2020

Sound Mirrors for Interactive Social Distancing

Olot, Spain
ELISAVA School of Design & Engineering

Drawing on the transformations of interpersonal relationships brought about the outbreak of COVID-19, "Far Away, So Close" proposes a new dynamic for relating in collective space that harnesses physical distance as a factor for activating and intensifying intimate relationships.

A series of mobile sound mirrors installed in public space engender different modes of interaction through the logic of play: a giant game of Chinese whispers; a concert where the music is heard on separate tracks; a personal message conveyed across a crowded square; or whispering a secret from 20 metres away--intimate experiences made magical by distance.

"Far Away, So Close" understands the social distancing implemented in response to the pandemic as an opportunity to create interaction instead of isolation.

A project developed by MEATS Elisava in collaboration with the Olot City Council.

Students: Alexa Nader, Assil Naji, Brentsen Solomon, Dalia Al-Akki, Eirini Sampani, Elena Caubet, Jad Karam, Jana Antoun, Joelle Nader, Juan Arizti, Kuan Yi Wu, Ines Fernandez, Marta Borreguero, Mokshuda Narula, Montserrat Sevilla, Selen Kurt, Stephanie Ibrahim, Tanvi Gupta, Tiago Rosado, Tracy Jabbour, Yunling Jin

Directors: Xevi Bayona, Toni Montes, Roger Paez

Partner: Olot City Council

Photography: Xevi Bayona, Tiago Rosado