SOUND MAPS
As part of my MA in Sociology at Goldsmiths, I conducted a study of Telegraph Hill Park. In order to find out how the visitors of the park felt about about this lively location, I invented a sociological research method which I termed the ‘sound map’. The sound map is a narrated audio route of the park, recorded by residents of the Telegraph Hill area.
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My invented research method resulted in rich material and intriguing discoveries. Shared and conflicting viewpoints emerged most notably surrounding the statue of Equiano, the instalment of the skatepark and the memorials of Mathew Elwell and Jayne Bates. With its many beautiful trees, stunning view over London and its peaceful atmosphere, the park was also explored in terms of its function as a retreat into nature and a place to experience a personal sense of wellbeing. My research findings consisted of personal memories and collective stories of the park, revealing its significance to both the individual and the community.

The ‘Sound Map’, through its immersive and mobile format, offers an in-depth perspective of a location. Following a pre-recorded voice through headphones, audience members are guided through a particular place by the stories of those that came before them.

Inspired by artist Janet Cardiff’s audio walks and by the field of Inventive Sociology, the sound maps were developed as part of the sociological research: Mapping Telegraph Hill Park. Eight sound maps of Telegraph Hill Park were collected, recorded by research participants residing in the Telegraph Hill area.

With its many beautiful trees, its stunning view over London and its peaceful atmosphere, the park was acknowledged as a retreat into nature and a place to experience a personal sense of wellbeing. Alongside its individual significance, conflicting viewpoints also emerged surrounding the park’s various facilities, statues and memorials.

Divulging between the different layers of the personal and the collective, the sound map delicately revealed the inter-connectedness of beings in their daily crossings of bodies and minds. As memories of the past were mixed with observations of the present moment, the stories embedded in place were brought to life, continued and shared. 

CREDITS
Concept: Beatrix Joyce
​Collaborating artist: Niek Steegemans
Dissertation supervisor: Kat Jungnickel
Video: Beatrix Joyce
Video performances: Bartholomew Joyce & Savina Casarin
Sound design: Jethro Cooke

​PARTICIPATION & SUPPORT
Malcolm Bacchus
Sanjit Chudha
Graham Jameson
Jacqueline Jolley
Martin Joyce
Bridget McKenzie
Paul Milnes
Tisna Westerhof
Flynn Richards
​Imogen Lees
Ahmed Ibrahim
John Ade-Ojo
Ali Eisa
Margreet Peutz
Erik Reijgwart
Claire Shaw

‘Mapping Telegraph Hill Park’ was exhibited at:

Telegraph Hill Festival, London, April 2017
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