The noise of striking metal emanating from the shipyard that built RMS Titanic has inspired ‘SoundYard’, an exciting new sound installation on Belfast’s Maritime Mile.
Created from a series of lightweight metal tubes suspended from a timber structure, the SoundYard installation consists of a constellation of hanging chimes that echo and evoke the noises that once emanated from the world-famous shipbuilders Harland & Wolff.
The impressive all-weather structure will be located at the waterside in Belfast Harbour, close to the SSE Arena and W5 science and discovery centre in the city’s vibrant Titanic Quarter.
Children will enjoy the sensory experience as they play within the structure, while adults connect with the sound and interpretation within the site. Free to enjoy and open to the public later this year, the installation will be activated by motion sensors.
The structure’s unique design is by talented young architects Hannah Wilson, Mathew Kernon and Eunan Deeney, who came up with the winning submission in a competition run by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.
They hope SoundYard will help reconnect and educate children and adults about the significance of the shipyard to the city, and add to the animation, accessibility and vibrancy of the Maritime Mile.
SoundYard at night photo Matthew Kernan.
With the great global visitor attraction of Titanic Belfast as its centrepiece, the history and back story of a city that was once a shipbuilding and industrial powerhouse is revealed around every corner of Belfast’s iconic waterfront.
The Maritime Mile is an exceptional walk affording fresh sea air, loads of space and amazing views. You can walk, cycle and take self-guided or private tours of the sights and sounds in a few hours, or linger longer to experience first-class accommodation, excellent eateries and range of other top-class attractions.
From the historic Clarendon Docks and Sailortown area to the original Titanic Slipways, plus exhibitions, historic buildings and modern art sculptures, there are endless opportunities to delve into authentic Belfast stories.
On a Maritime Mile walk make sure to go aboard Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic, and the last remaining floating survivor of the Battle of Jutland in WW I, HMS Caroline.
Other must-sees include the exceptionally rare Great Light, one of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world, and the vast Thompson Dry Dock, the ‘footprint’ of the Titanic and the place she last sat on dry land.
Cap it all off with a visit to the shimmering Titanic Belfast, the biggest and best experience of the most famous ship in the world.
www.ireland.comThe Great Light, Maritime Mile, Belfast City
