My project looks at how heavy rainfall changes the soundscape in different parts of Vancouver. Since rain is such a common part of the city’s identity, I wanted to understand what actually happens to everyday sounds when a major rain event occurs. I focused on three different environments—a bus loop, a park and a residential street—to compare how each space reacts to rain in its own way.

To collect the data, I recorded audio clips during periods of heavy rainfall and took brief notes on what I heard and what was happening around me. I also paid attention to things like how loud the rain was on different surfaces, how sound seemed to travel in open vs. enclosed areas, and how people behaved when it started raining. This helped me notice changes that aren’t always obvious unless you listen closely.

The results showed that each location transformed in a unique way. For example, the bus loop became sharper and more metallic, the park turned more muted because of the trees, and the residential area had more water-related textures like gutters and cars driving through puddles. Overall, the project helped highlight how rain reshapes the atmosphere of the city and how weather can completely shift the way people experience everyday spaces.