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Immersion by Design: Building a Spatial Audio Infrastructure for Media, Performance, and Pedagogy at ASU

This paper offers a comprehensive account of the conceptualization, system design, and implementation of the spatial audio system integrated in the Enhanced Immersion Studio (EIS), a three-story spatial audio and media performance space at Arizona State Universitys Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center. Designed as an experimental black box and a flexible educational venue, the EIS supports immersive audio creation, transdisciplinary performance, and public engagement. Developed through collaboration between the Sidney Poitier New American Film School faculty, MIX Centers leadership and staff, and architectural and systems integration teams, the EIS was conceived with a community-centered mission and pedagogical vision. The paper details the technical and architectural decisions that shaped the sound system design. Loudspeaker coverage density, spatial imaging needs, acoustic response considerations, and structural constraints were considered while maintaining flexibility for various uses, from spatial music performance and sound installations to immersive cinema and Extended Reality (XR) integration. We highlight early activations of the space, including student- and faculty-led immersive audio projects, as the first creative deployments of Spacemap multi-channel panning for egocentric and allocentric approaches in the EIS. These studies illustrate how spatial technologies and design influence creative approaches, learning outcomes, and collaborative workflows. By connecting system design choices to educational and artistic goals, the paper frames the EIS not only as a technical achievement but also as an evolving platform for immersive storytelling, cultural expression, and research innovation. The paper concludes with reflections on future directions for spatial audio education, community engagement, and the EIS infrastructure.

 

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