The work began with a careful reading of the material. The footage shot by Erik Brünner and David Bröckelmann was roughly edited and analyzed from a dramaturgical perspective: mood arcs, transitions, meta-levels, and narrative patterns. Only once the internal logic of a sound track was understood did the work on the sound design begin. The music and sound design evolved organically from this understanding, tailored specifically to each sound track.
The musical score was created using AI-powered tools and was individually tailored to each audio track. The result was surprising: the music functions like a leitmotif. It remains recognizably consistent across all 22 pieces without ever repeating itself. It carries the narrative when Hebel is speaking and recedes into the background when he is thinking. The most difficult part of the production was finding a soundscape that would have the same effect outdoors through the funnel as it does on headphones at home, while remaining balanced. The audio pieces work just as well for people who have never read Hebel as they do for those who know his work by heart.
Hebel spricht!
Audio production, sound narrative, sound design, and audio engineering for the Johann Peter Hebel Anniversary in 2026.
Case Study
To mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Peter Hebel’s death, an interactive sound installation was created on Peterskirchplatz in Basel, featuring 22 original audio pieces and custom-developed audio technology designed for autonomous outdoor operation. OSLO STUDIOS was responsible for the entire audio production and audio technology.
Commissioned by
Basler Hebelstiftung
Service Type
Audio Guide / Audio Installation
Location
St. Peter's Square, Basel
Between a Cultural Mission and an Engineering Task
When a monument begins to speak.
The Hebel Foundation wanted to make Hebel audible. The monument on Peterskirchplatz became a stage: the bust was rotated 180 degrees, five sound funnels were constructed, and all it takes is the push of a button. The 22 audio tracks produced had to function outdoors amid street noise, rain, and fluctuating temperatures, while also standing on their own as complete audio pieces online. OSLO STUDIOS handled audio production and sound engineering.
On-site Installation
Peterskirchplatz, Basel — April 15 through October 15, 2026
A monument comes to life: Five orange sound funnels bring Hebel’s voice into the urban space. At the push of a button, stories, thoughts, and poems can be heard right at the funnel.
See All 7 Photos
Background
To mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Peter Hebel’s (1760–1826) death, the Basel Hebel Foundation planned a public sound installation in the city space. Conceived by Germanist and cultural mediator Barbara Piatti and designed by Stauffenegger + Partner AG, the existing Hebel monument on Peterskirchplatz was to be transformed into a listening station. Visitors activate one of the five listening stations at the push of a button and hear semi-fictional audio pieces narrated in the first person by the poet, performed by professional actors Erik Brünner (Standard German) and David Bröckelmann (Alemannic German).
OSLO STUDIOS was entrusted with two distinct but closely related tasks: the creation of 22 audio productions and the technical design and installation of the interactive sound system on site.
Video produced by Joel Hostettler (OSLO STUDIOS AG)
Photography by Basil Huwyler, Joel Sames & Joel Hostettler
Special Features and Requirements
- Outdoor space without room acoustics
- 7 months of operation without constant supervision
- Literary content, modern sound
- 22 audio pieces, a universe of sound
- Streaming on-site & online
Key Areas
At the heart of the installation is a custom-built 19-inch rack with five independent controller setups, designed, built, programmed, and commissioned by OSLO STUDIOS. Each of the five sound funnels forms a separate listening zone. A sound track is started at the push of a button, plays at a comfortable volume, and then stops. The system restarts automatically after a power outage, runs for seven months without constant supervision, and is fully integrated with the metal structure built by Fünfschilling AG.
The funnel shape is not merely an aesthetic choice. The horn’s geometry focuses the sound and directs it straight toward the listener in front of it, while minimizing sound leakage into the surrounding area. The speakers, amplifier, and volume levels were optimized for this geometry and validated on-site during the prototype phase.
The result: loud enough to be understood, quiet enough for St. Peter’s Square.
Production Process
Creative audio production and technical installation proceeded in parallel on this project. The sound decisions made in the studio influenced the configuration of the outdoor system, while the requirements of the outdoor space, in turn, influenced the mix.
Analysis & Concept
Script review and dramaturgical analysis of all 22 audio tracks. Mood arcs, transitions, plot levels, and meta-levels were mapped out. Close coordination with Barbara Piatti regarding sound, tempo, and structure. In parallel: development of a system concept for the audio technology, selection of components, signal flow, and interface planning in collaboration with the metal fabrication and set design teams.
System Design & Technical Planning
Detailed technical design of the control unit. Construction and testing of a prototype funnel system to validate sound level, radiation pattern, and sound image in an outdoor environment. Adjustment of parameters based on on-site test results.
Recordings
Voice-over direction with Erik Brünner (Standard German) and David Bröckelmann (Alemannic). A rough cut of all recordings was created as the basis for the dramaturgical analysis. The recording days were structured according to difficulty level, with simpler pieces recorded first so that the insights gained could be incorporated into the more challenging ones.
Composition, Audio Production & Mixing
The music and sound design were developed individually for each audio track based on a dramaturgical analysis, during post-production sessions with writer Barbara Piatti. AI-powered composition tools ensured a consistent sound across all 22 pieces. Mixing and mastering were carried out for two output formats: outdoor installation and digital playback.
Installation & Acceptance
Final assembly of all five controller setups. Commissioning at Peterskirchplatz. Parameter tuning, functional testing, and acceptance testing with the client. Inauguration of the installation: April 15, 2026.
The Audio Pieces
A “Best Of” compilation of the 22 tracks
The 22 audio pieces are semi-fictional first-person texts by Johann Peter Hebel, adapted by Barbara Piatti using numerous original passages. They portray him as a writer-thinker, an editor, a pacifist, and a dreamer. They are designed to be heard in passing and work just as well online.
All tracks are available here: hebelstiftung.ch
„We want Hebel to sound the way he thinks."
Facts & Figures
22
Audio Plays
2
Voice Actors
5
Listening Stations
7
Months of Operation
Partners
“Hebel Speaks!” was an interdisciplinary project. OSLO STUDIOS was responsible for the entire audio aspect, from voice direction and composition to the outdoor installation.
- OSLO STUDIOS AG
Concept, construction, and installation of the audio equipment. Overall audio production under the direction of Joel Hostettler: voice-over direction, score development, sound design, mixing, and mastering.
- Barbara Piatti
Concept, scripts, dramaturgy, editorial management, voice casting, voice director.
www.barbara-piatti.ch
Project Lead
Joel Hostettler
Marketing / Audio-/Visual Production
Joel Hostettler is Marketing Manager and Audiovisual Producer at OSLO STUDIOS. With a sense for storytelling, systems thinking and a forward-looking approach, he turns ideas into content that is clearly thought through and convincing.
Let's give more monuments a voice!
Please contact us. We can advise you on concept, audio production, technical implementation, and playback.