Anima Ambientis

(Soul of the Surroundings)

Anima Ambientis is a 15 minute composition which explores of relationship between sound, space, and human perception. Fixed in the principles of the immersive audio design in open world role playing video games this composition was produced without the aid of visual imagery and with the intention of capturing the “spirit of the environment" translating physical movement, emotional engagement and spatial awareness into a dynamic sonic experience.

Developed as part of a Creative Research Project, the work explores how ambient audio alone can shape narrative interpretation and influence a listener’s sense of presence. The use of field recordings and Foley techniques, Anima Ambientis merges the boundaries between natural and constructed soundscapes, inviting the audience into a world that feels both familiar and abstract.

At its core, the project reflects a research driven approach to sound design, where locomotion, environment, and perception blend together.  Through evolving layers of sound, the composition responds to imagined terrains and movements, creating an auditory environment that unfolds over time.

These pages document the development of Anima Ambientis, offering valuable insights into the process of producing each act and the underlying concepts where the creative practice itself functions as research.

Act 1 (00:00-05:00) consists of solely character movements.  From foley footsteps and fabrics to terrain interactions, this segment of the composition intends to place the listener into the shoes of the protagonist as they traverse through the imagined video game world.

Act 2 (05:00-10:00) introduces a minimalistic orchestral score which provides new sonic values to the piece and adds an immersive believability to the idea of the audio aligning with modern day, contemporary open world video game sound tracks.

Act 3 (10:00-15:00) is the final section of the work and here is where the work culminates with the implementation of several ambient audio recordings. This is the key section of the production and the answers to the research question can be formed.