VentHackz: Exploring the Musicality of Ventilation Systems

Maham Riaz, Ioannis Theodoridis, Çağrı Erdem, and Alexander Refsum Jensenius

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

Ventilation systems can be seen as huge examples of interfaces for musical expression, with the potential of merging sound, space, and human interaction. This paper explores conceptual similarities between ventilation systems and wind instruments and explores approaches to “hacking” ventilation systems with components that produce and modify sound. These systems enable the creation of unique sonic and visual experiences by manipulating airflow and making mechanical adjustments. Users can treat ventilation systems as musical interfaces by altering shape, material, and texture or augmenting vents. We call for heightened attention to the sound-making properties of ventilation systems and call for action (#VentHackz) to playfully improve the soundscapes of our indoor environments.

Citation

Maham Riaz, Ioannis Theodoridis, Çağrı Erdem, and Alexander Refsum Jensenius. 2025. VentHackz: Exploring the Musicality of Ventilation Systems. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15698831 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@article{nime2025_27,
 abstract = {Ventilation systems can be seen as huge examples of interfaces for musical expression, with the potential of merging sound, space, and human interaction. This paper explores conceptual similarities between ventilation systems and wind instruments and explores approaches to “hacking” ventilation systems with components that produce and modify sound. These systems enable the creation of unique sonic and visual experiences by manipulating airflow and making mechanical adjustments. Users can treat ventilation systems as musical interfaces by altering shape, material, and texture or augmenting vents. We call for heightened attention to the sound-making properties of ventilation systems and call for action (#VentHackz) to playfully improve the soundscapes of our indoor environments.},
 address = {Canberra, Australia},
 articleno = {27},
 author = {Maham Riaz and Ioannis Theodoridis and Çağrı Erdem and Alexander Refsum Jensenius},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.15698831},
 editor = {Doga Cavdir and Florent Berthaut},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 numpages = {8},
 pages = {184--191},
 title = {VentHackz: Exploring the Musicality of Ventilation Systems},
 track = {Paper},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2025/nime2025_27.pdf},
 year = {2025}
}