Planephones, or planofoni,[1] represent an innovative sound art creation. They are vibrating systems based on wood panels (or other materials) and different forms.[2] Planephones diffuse the sound according to specifications which depend on the structure of the material,[3] on the geometry of the design,[4] on the orientation and curvature of the surfaces, and on the plastic volumes occupied.[5]
Planephones differ from conventional sound diffusion systems[6] in that the sound acquires the timbral quality[7] of the material employed[8] and, in addition, by diffusing the sound homogeneously[9] along the surface, permits designing the acoustic space.[10] according to the architectural space.[11]
Planephones were conceived by composer Michelangelo Lupone,[12] as art installations (1997), and are the result of studies on the vibrational qualities of materials with the collaboration of CRM-Centro Ricerche Musicali.
Planephones are works of art[13] which integrate form, matter, sound, music language and expression.[14] They integrate the relevant aspects of sound and visual perception, creating new modes of fruition of the work of art.[15]
