The Living Portrait of New York City

Experiential music and sound design

Context
Debuting in September 2022 in the Flatiron District, this immersive multimedia exhibition presented a distilled portrait of New York City and its people. Spanning multiple rooms, the experience followed the rhythm of the city over a 24-hour cycle, combining visual storytelling with spatial sound.

The aim was to create an environment that felt authentic, human, and reflective of the city’s diversity and energy.

Role
Composer and Sound Designer — responsible for the musical score and immersive sound design across the exhibition.

Approach
Working in collaboration with Radical Media and Treatment Studios, I composed an original score and designed a layered soundscape to support the visual narrative without overwhelming it.

To ground the experience in real voices, interviews with New Yorkers were recorded remotely, curated, and integrated into the sound design. These voices were woven together with music and environmental sound, allowing spoken moments, texture, and rhythm to coexist naturally within the space.

The focus throughout was on balance — creating an immersive auditory presence that guided visitors emotionally while leaving room for reflection.

Outcome
The exhibition delivered a cohesive, multi-room sound experience that captured the character and pace of New York City. Music, voice, and sound design combined to create a considered sonic portrait that supported the visuals and deepened audience engagement.

Why It Matters
This project demonstrates how music, documentary voice, and environmental sound can be integrated to create an immersive experience that feels authentic, emotionally grounded, and responsive to place.