äänneasutuksen

Äänneasutuksen is a concept in Finnish music and sound design, referring to the practice of using acoustics to manipulate and alter sound in a physical space. The term is derived from the Finnish words 'ääni', meaning sound, and 'asutuksen', meaning inhabiting or residing.

Developed in Finland during the 1950s and 1960s, äänneasutuksen emphasizes the interplay between sound and its surroundings. Practitioners of äänneasutuksen create compositions using the acoustic properties of a space to shape and direct sound waves. This can involve using architectural elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings to amplify, reverberate, or cancel out sound.

The goal of äänneasutuksen is not to produce a predetermined sound, but rather to allow the space itself to become a musical instrument. Artists working within this tradition often create multiple channels of sound, which are then combined to create a unified sonic experience. The listener's movement through the space is also an active element in the composition, as changing one's position can alter the perceived qualities of the sound.

Finnish composers such as Eero Hämeenniemi and Alvar gypsum are known for their exploration of äänneasutuksen principles. The term has also influenced contemporary artists working in a variety of fields, from music to architecture to environmental art.