Waterfalls emit infrasonic frequencies vital for the navigation of certain birds, which use them as a compass during their migrations. Recently, noise pollution from industrialization has threatened this journey. Cascade attempts to reproduce the infrasonic recordings of various waterfalls using small speakers incapable of emitting such low frequencies. However, their vibrations activate an optical fiber through which the sound “falls,” creating a curtain of light that visualizes the sound waves, offering an alternative form of listening. This challenges human auditory and perceptual capabilities, decentering our position as “the measure of all things.” Such vibration can be seen, felt, and touched with the skin, providing a multisensory experience that emphasizes interspecies connections through “feeling with” others and the body. The fibers of Cascade illuminate the viewer’s position, reminding us of the critical importance of preserving the often unseen elements of nature.

The piece is modular, meaning that every speaker/fiber acts as a unit and can be added or removed depending on the measurements of the space. The maximum width we can reach is 10.7 meters.
The height is also adjustable by rolling the fiber on the module, allowing us to reach a maximum height of 6 meters. The piece will work best when it is presented in its tallest possible size.

Idea, Production, Construction: Marc Vilanova
3D Design: Javi Albo, Rodrigo Waihiwe
Technical Design and Fabrication: Javi Albo
Software: Alfredo Ardia
Custom Hardware and Firmware: Wesley Lee
3D Printing: Nuno Oliveira
Installation Support: Johanna Palmeyro, Clarisa Esevich, Márcio Ferreira, Tiago Rosendo, Guillaume Côté, Myriam
Lambert, Triska Sicuranzo, Matias Tolchinsky, Elsa Guerra, Alba Medinyà, Neus Masdeu, Júlia Faura, Mercè Lledós, Lisandro Marquez
Support: EMAP, Creative Europe, gnration, Avatar Center, Institut Ramon Llull, OSIC, Konvent Puntzero