Information and Knowledge Society

Ensounded bodies: making place in London's East End.

Doctoral Programme on the Information and Knowledge Society
17/07/2015

Author: Karla Berrens
Programme: Doctoral Programme on the Information and Knowledge Society
Language:  English
Supervisor: Dr Ramon Ribera Fumaz 
Faculty / Institute: Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3)

Key words: Soundscape, place, London's East End, ensounded, body 
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Abstract:

In this research, I investigate the relationship between the urban soundscape and the making of place in London's East End. I explore the ways in which ensounding our bodies (Ingold 2007) and listening participatively to the soundscape can bring our sensuous and emotional bodies back to the forefront of our urban experience. In doing so, I examine the junction between the discussion around place, emotion and the soundscape, placing the sensuous body at its centre as its articulating pivot. The senses are an important way of gathering information, of deciphering the meanings that unfold around us through a myriad of different manifestations. Therefore, I am arguing for a sensuous methodology for the making of a cartography of the city, growing from the bodies outwards and for this methodology to be as fluid as sound can be. An inclusive methodology that, in turn, will enhance the permeability of the membranes around Urban Studies and invite the senses into what is considered a scholar way of researching.