The "San Francisco Soundscapes" project is a creative endeavor aimed at capturing and visualizing the intricate symphony of sounds that make up the auditory landscape of this vibrant city. San Francisco is renowned for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and, undoubtedly, its distinctive soundscape. However, amidst the captivating allure lies an underlying concern - noise pollution.
BrainStorming:
DIY MAPPING: Urban Soundscapes
Create a map that visualizes soundscapes in a city, using DIY mapping techniques to geolocate recordings of different urban sounds and represent them through visual and auditory elements.
DIY Mapping: Local Art Installations
Explore city's art scene by mapping the locations of various public art installations. Use DIY mapping skills to collect GPS data for 20 or more art pieces, highlighting the diversity and impact of these installations on the urban landscape.
DIY Mapping: Community Garden Network
Develop a map that showcases a network of community gardens in the city. Use DIY mapping techniques to geolocate these gardens, and provide additional information on the types of plants grown and the local initiatives they support.
Serious, Big Data: Historical Trade Routes
Design a map that illustrates the historical trade routes that played a significant role in shaping regions and cultures. Use data from historical records and scholarly sources to create a map that combines both educational and navigational elements.
DIY MAPPING: Mapping Wildlife Habitats
Utilize DIY mapping techniques to document wildlife habitats in a local natural area, such as a park or wildlife reserve. Create a map that showcases the diversity of wildlife in the region and educates viewers about the importance of conservation.
PROJECT DIRECTION:
Sound Documentation: The primary goal of this project is to document the various sounds that contribute to the rich tapestry of San Francisco's soundscape. This includes the familiar sounds of cable cars, seagulls at Fisherman's Wharf, bustling streets, and even the occasional street musician. These are the sounds that resonate with the residents and define the city's character.
Noise Pollution Awareness: Beyond the aesthetic appreciation of these sounds, the project delves into the issue of noise pollution. Noise pollution can have adverse effects on physical and mental health, and this project aims to highlight the prevalence of such noise in San Francisco.
Target Audience: The intended audience for this project primarily consists of the people of San Francisco. These are the residents who are intimately familiar with the daily soundtrack of the city. For them, the project serves as a nostalgic reminder and a celebration of the auditory heritage of their city. It's a representation of San Francisco's identity and culture through its sounds.
Project Challenges: One of the intriguing aspects of this project is that there isn't a single comprehensive dataset or an easy way to acquire all the sounds around the city of San Francisco. The project entails a thorough and creative process of sound collection from various locations across the city. This DIY approach adds a layer of authenticity to the project as it reflects the soundscape as experienced by the people.
*Different renditions of the visualisation.
