Deadlines

I'm finding it an interesting puzzle to ponder which sounds to record for eventual use in my sound installation. Which sounds, for example, best sum up the Chongqing soundscape, and for how long might this be true? So much of the sound (in volume) currently is coming from developmental work, such as: road works, pavement laying, building and refurbishment. Surprisingly, as so little machinery is used for this work, the result is sonically more rich than the more usual drone of heavy power tools used in other countries.

There is an immediate purpose to all of this: from 11th -14th October Chongqing is to host the Asian Pacific Cities Summit. This is a major coup for the city as delegates from at least 96 foreign cities will descend on the city for this event focusing on the harmonious development of city, humankind and nature – at least that what it says in the advertising blurb.

So as I work on my installation, collecting, editing and manipulating sounds, Chongqing is working day and night in preparation of its own big event. My question is: what will the city sound like after this hugh development project is complete? I am therefore trying to listen through these pre-summit sounds and pay attention to what lies underneath. Not that the city’s development will cease completely after Oct 10th - I understand, for example, that the building of an art gallery has been scheduled for later on in the year, overlooking the harbour….