Daydreamer: Kinetic Musical Benches (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- These musical benches are an example of kinetic art. This type of art has mechanical parts that can be set in motion.
- When visitors rock or rotate the benches, the benches play different musical sounds. When the benches are moved at the same time, these sounds create a harmony.
- Daily tous les jours is a Canadian art and design studio that creates interactive public art. Their work explores the ways in which people work together in public spaces.
Learn More
These interactive, kinetic benches have mechanical parts that play humming and harmonizing sounds when they are rocked or rotated. As the people on the musical benches begin to move together, the sounds combine to create a calming soundscape. A soundscape is the mixture of different sounds that are heard in a particular place.
Rocking has been known to induce a state of daydreaming, proven to lessen stress and anxiety, while opening up the mind to be more intuitive, imaginative at finding solutions by simply letting go for a while.
Daily tous les jours
Daily tous les jours is an art and design studio based in Montreal, Canada. The studio was co-founded by Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat in 2010. They work together to create projects that combine interactive art and urban design. Their work explores human cooperation in public spaces.
We create collective human experiences for public spaces. Strangers need strange moments together.
Daily tous les jours
The studio’s works encourage interaction with the art installation and with each other. They use technology to create opportunities for play. Another work by this studio, Musical Swings, is located near Daydreamer: Kinetic Benches. Both of these interactive playground structures produce sound and light.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Visit the Daily tous les jours website to read the studio’s mission statement and view a gallery of their public art installations.
- View a slideshow by the studio about the importance of play and building play spaces in cities.
- Read an article about kinetic art.
Resources for Students
- Read an article about the studio’s process of developing a work of art.
- Watch a video about installations this studio has designed and created.
- Read an article about the studio’s two outdoor works at the NCMA.
Images
-
Daydreamer: Kinetic Musical Benches
A photograph of three backless benches, each featuring a tall yellow arch over the seat. There are three people sitting, one on each bench. The benches are located in an outdoor playground area at the Museum Park.