Alpine Sounds

Explore the unique auditory landscapes of Switzerland through Alpine Sounds, a comprehensive library of authentic Swiss ropeway sounds.

A mockup image of the ropesinging website showing a sound list

Initial Situation/Problem statement

In the heart of Switzerland, the distinct sounds of ropeways resonate with the country's rich cultural and natural heritage. However, these unique auditory experiences were inaccessible to a broader audience, remaining confined to their geographical origins. Michel Roth, fascinated by the acoustic diversity of these ropeways, envisioned a platform that could capture and share these sounds, thus preserving an integral part of Swiss auditory culture.

Person sitting underneath a Swiss alpine ropeway with a recording device

Recording taken in the scenic Swiss mountains.

Abstract visualisation of a Swiss rope way

Black and white visualization of a ropeway wire from the book "Singende Seile".

A special recording device

Custom tailored recording device.

Project Goal

Our goal was to create a user-friendly website that serves as a digital repository for these distinctive sounds. This platform needed to allow users to explore, download, and learn about various Swiss ropeway sounds, effectively bringing the essence of Swiss mountains to a global audience.

Branding

White logo of ropesinging representing the letter S on a black background

A preview of our home screen where users will be able to add and edit leads, as well as search and filter for specific leads.

Sound visualization

The heard sound is supported by a vibrant visualization.

Soundwave

A visualisation of a soundwave

The Soundwave can be annotated at different sections.

Developed Solution and its benefit

Alpine Sounds is a meticulously designed website that offers an immersive experience in exploring Swiss ropeway sounds. Users can access a curated library of high-quality recordings, each accompanied by detailed information and narratives. This platform not only preserves the auditory heritage of Swiss ropeways but also provides a unique resource for enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public, fostering a deeper appreciation for Switzerland's cultural soundscape.
The following functionalities are built into the solution:

  • Extensive Sound Library Browsing
    Delve into a vast collection of audio files, conveniently accessible in one place.
  • Advanced Filtering and Search
    Sort and find sounds with ease using category-based filters or direct search options.
  • Sound Download Capabilities
    Enjoy the convenience of downloading your chosen sounds for offline use and diverse applications.
  • In-Depth Sound Exploration
    Get up close with each sound, discovering detailed information and the story behind the audio.
  • Sound Section Annotations
    Engage with specific sections of sounds through targeted annotations, enhancing the listening experience.
  • Visual Waveform Display
    Visualize the sound with a dynamic waveform representation, adding a new dimension to your interaction with music.
Explore the website
Testimonial
«The collaboration with the IT students from the FHNW was exceptionally fruitful: over the course of almost a year, a group of highly motivated and talented young people and their coach grew together as a team and jointly developed creative solutions for practical applications. As the students are already in professional life, they bring a lot of practical experience and an individual profile to the development, which promotes a continuous transfer of knowledge and fosters innovative methods. The result is not only a well-functioning product, but also a wealth of experience and a lot of ideas for the future.»
Michel Roth

Key terms

  • Programming languagesJavaScript
  • Frontend StackHTML, Sass & CSS, JavaScript, Node/npm, Vuejs, Nuxt
  • Backend Stack Strapi, Node/npm, DigitalOcean as CDN
  • DatabasePostgreSQL
  • Deployment PlatformDigital Ocean

Client

Prof. Dr. des. Michel Roth
Hochschule für Musik Basel/FHNW
4009 Basel
www.michelroth.ch
www.sonicspacebasel.ch

Team

Team
Maximilian Lemberg
Cedric Wagner
Sean Mengis
Nicolas Krebs
Megan Hollinger
Ramona Zürcher
Nico Odermatt
Agile Coach
Gabriela von Wyl