VacuaMoenia: Acoustic Ecology and Soundscape Research Project

VacuaMoenia is a cultural association and artistic research project focused on the study of acoustic ecology and the preservation of soundscapes. Established in 2013 by Pietro Bonanno and Fabio R. Lattuca, the organization specializes in documenting the sonic identity of abandoned rural and industrial locations, particularly within the Sicilian landscape. By treating these "empty walls" as active subjects of study, VacuaMoenia bridges the gap between environmental research and digital media. The project maintains an extensive online sound map and digital archive that serves as a vital resource for scholars, artists, and historians. Their methodology involves a critical listening approach, utilizing field recording to capture the layered historical and material fragments of decaying sites. VacuaMoenia’s output is diverse, ranging from electroacoustic compositions and sound installations to sound walks and collaborative festivals. They have collaborated with institutions like Tempo Reale and presented work at international events such as Manifesta12 and the Sonorities Festival. By archiving the transitory sounds of forgotten spaces, VacuaMoenia ensures the preservation of intangible cultural heritage while fostering a deeper public engagement with the changing auditory environment. The project emphasizes the concept of aletheia, or the revelation of what exists, through a non-hierarchical relationship between the listener and the territory, ultimately transforming how we perceive the relationship between human history and environmental sound.