Monday I did the Highline soundwalk with Simon. Going into it, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a meditative experience that was synced to my steps and location. Overall, I was impressed by the technology used to make a transition from zone to zone. Having a green oasis in the middle of the city is something that I didn’t know I needed until I experienced the Highline soundwalk. During the walk, you’re immersed in a bubble that blocks out the city and it’s noise. So much so, that when you reach the end of the walk, and take out your headphones, you’re jarringly brought back to the present with the re-introduction of the city’s noise.
While I enjoyed the soundwalk, I felt that it was more of an installation that you experienced, rather than an installation that you could interact with. With the amount of artwork available at the Highline, having the soundwalk incorporate these would help make it something that you can interact with rather than simply experience. The ability to stop at each installation and hear a little bit about it, and how it ties into the Highline would be interesting. Ideally, you’d be able to choose which walk you wanted. The more meditative walk, or the interactive one.
I enjoyed the Highline greatly, and will be back to complete the walk again.