Soundscapes and Virtual Reality: A portfolio of Soundscape Composition, Field Recording, Soundwalk and Interactivity

This practice-based research investigates the operation of soundscape composition within constantly evolving media landscapes, focusing specifically on the reconstruction and expression of soundscape meaning across stereo and virtual reality (VR) work presentations. The portfolio comprises eight works, including four fixed-media stereo compositions and four interactive VR soundscape pieces. Together, these works map a shift in my compositional orientation. This shift departs from an initial focus on nature-centred frameworks and the hi-fi soundscape ideal, evolving into a more critical compositional stance that embraces diverse sonic environments, highlights the malleability of soundscapes, and frames the separation of sound from its original source via technological mediation as a valuable and constructive creative condition.

The research addresses three interrelated questions: how composers might move beyond the opposition between natural and urban soundscapes; how the relationship between field recordings and place can be sustained or reshaped through mediation strategies; and how VR interaction can render the effects of mediation accessible for comparison and critical reflection. Methodologically, this research adopts iterative compositional practice and transmedial work presentation as the core enquiry approaches, grounding all analysis and exploration in practical creative output. All the works listed in this thesis are described; Appendix A provides information on presentations, performances, awards and funding associated with the portfolio.