Thomas Perez-Pape
Predicting Sonic Atmospheres: New Research from Jonas R. Kirkegaard Presented at AES in Copenhagen
We are proud to announce that Sonic College staff member Jonas R. Kirkegaard presented his latest research paper, Predicting Sonic Atmospheres – Expectation and Attunement, at the 160th Audio Engineering Society (AES) European Convention in Copenhagen.
The paper was presented as an AES Express Paper during AES Europe 2026, one of the world’s leading conferences for audio research, sound technology, and professional audio practice. The convention took place from May 28–30, 2026, at the Technical University of Denmark and brought together researchers, engineers, designers, and audio professionals from across the international audio community.
Exploring How We Anticipate Atmospheres
In the paper, Kirkegaard investigates how people experience atmospheres in spaces such as museums, and argues that atmospheres are not only something we perceive in the moment. Instead, they are shaped by expectations, memories, cultural experiences, and prior encounters with similar environments.
Drawing on atmosphere theory, sound studies, and the emerging framework of predictive processing, the research suggests that people begin attuning to an atmosphere before they fully enter it. We do not simply experience a space — we actively predict it.
The paper explores how visitors entering an archaeological museum in Grenoble adjusted their behaviour when moving from a welcoming reception area into a dark, church-like exhibition space. Visitors instinctively lowered their voices, slowed their movements, and adapted their behaviour, demonstrating how atmosphere operates as both a sensory and predictive phenomenon.
Sound as a Temporal Design Material
A central contribution of the research is its focus on sound as a tool for shaping atmospheric experience over time.
Rather than viewing sound merely as ambience or decoration, the paper argues that sound can function as a temporal design material capable of creating anticipation, guiding attention, shaping transitions, and generating moments of surprise or reflection.
Because sound unfolds through rhythm, silence, repetition, resonance, and change, it offers unique possibilities for influencing how people approach, experience, and remember spaces.
Research and Practice at Sonic College
The themes explored in the paper resonate strongly with Sonic College’s ongoing focus on sound design, interaction design, immersive audio, and the relationship between sound, perception, and experience.
Kirkegaard’s work contributes to a growing body of international research investigating how sound influences human behaviour, emotional engagement, and spatial understanding. It also reflects the interdisciplinary approach that characterises both teaching and research activities at Sonic College.
We congratulate Jonas on the presentation and publication of this work and look forward to seeing the continued development of research exploring sound, atmosphere, and human experience.
