Playing the Building

Imagine an old pump organ, set at the heart of the Roundhouse, with a series of low-tech cables and wires attached to the building's pillars, pipes and beams. Then imagine the ping, rattle and blow as they vibrate and resonate in response to the organ keys, and the building itself becomes a giant musical instrument. Playing the Building, David Byrne's interactive sound installation, drew crowds to New York's Battery Maritime Museum last year. This August sees the UK premiere of his vision of 'Victorian steam-punk technology' at the 160-year-old Roundhouse. The shutters will be off the windows of the domed roof, revealing the building in a new light the perfect setting for visitors of all ages to explore the Victorian architecture and have the chance to 'play the building'. David Byrne formed Talking Heads in 1974. He's also released solo music projects and worked in film, photography, dance and opera winning Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe awards. He created the installation for everyone to experience, but won't be at the Roundhouse to play the building himself.