auralis

Auralis is a fictional city-state and cultural hub in speculative fiction, renowned for its fusion of acoustic engineering, public art, and advanced urban design. Set on a crescent-shaped bay in the imagined continent of Serin, Auralis is organized around concentric districts arranged to optimize sound propagation and social interaction. The city’s streets, plazas, and buildings are designed to serve as living acoustic instruments, with adjustable surfaces and passive cooling that influence how sound travels through public spaces.

History and governance: Auralis was founded in the early 22nd century by a coalition of musicians, engineers, and civic planners who sought to make sound a public infrastructure. It operates under a technocratic council that oversees culture, transport, and acoustics policy, with decisions supported by simulation models and citizen feedback.

Economy and society: The economy centers on music technology, immersive media, and education. Major institutions include the Meridian Conservatory, the Institute of Acoustic Design, and the Sound Market, a weekly fair of instrument makers and composers. The population emphasizes cultural access, with extensive public performances and open-source sound libraries.

Cultural landmarks and features: Notable sites include the Meridian Concert Hall, the Echo Ridge Amphitheater, and the Archive of Orality, a library of recorded sound and oral histories. The city hosts an annual Soundscape Festival that integrates spatial audio, light, and performance.

In fiction, Auralis is used as a setting to explore how advanced acoustics and urban design affect social life, privacy, and creativity.