Studio_L28
The undeveloped open space along the Western railway ring L28 has long been marginalized in Brussels planning processes. Thanks to its natural, historical and ecological richness this urban edge area is an excellent research object, especially in the context of urban sound design. The site in question is the L28 railfield, located in Anderlecht and Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Brussels. To date, Brussels urbanism is little concerned about the quality of the sound environment. Studio_L28 was conceived as a research parallel to the analysis phase of the urban renewal project for that area. The studio facilitated a critical outsiders’ perspective on the planning process. The studio consisted of two parts: A morning program with talks and transversal discussions, during which topics related to sound, urbanism and the area were debated, and afternoon sessions with fieldwork on site. In constant dialogue with experts from the fields such as field recording, acoustic ecology and urban planning we reflected on new urban sound strategies for public urban space development along the L28.
Key words: urban transition, public urban space, critical spatial practice, urban sound strategies, transdisciplinary research
Program October 2016
Session #1 – Territories (08/10)
10.00 – 12.30 : Seminar followed by psfa-bxl transversal discussion
- Introduction of the actual planning context of the site with a focus on the history of one of the symbols of its economic development, railway line L28 and the actual relation between inhabitants and their environment
- Presentation of the politics of Brussels Capital Region regarding the control of sound pollution and vibration in the Brussels Region
- Land, space, territories, and sonic affect #SoundStudies
13.30- 17.00 : Field session
- The sonic geography of the site and the relation between the sonic environment and the urban space
- Introduction to field recording techniques
- On site observation of sonic effects and auditive architecture #FieldRecording
Guest lectures by Nadia Casabella (1010), Marie Poupé (IBGE), with contributions by Flavien Gillié and Stijn Demeulenaere
Session #2 – Cartography (15/10)
10.00 – 12.30 : Seminar followed by psfa-bxl transversal discussion
- Use of interactive technology and social media for an alternative cartography of sound in the city
- Sonic cartography as critical spatial practice
- Sound maps
13.30- 17.00 : Field Session
- Observation – classification and illustration of sonic effects in the open space of the railway site
Guests lectures by Peter Cusack and Prof. Dr. Arch. Burak Pak (KU Leuven)
Session #3 – Spatial Design (22/10)
10.00 – 12.30 : Seminar followed by psfa-bxl transversal discussion
- Design of public space along L28
- Use of presets – spatial planning and design of the sonic environment L28
- Conditions for a participative tuning
13.30- 17.00 : Field Session
- Determining strategies for a sonic experience in the open space of L28
Guest lectures by Dr. Petra Pferdmenges (Alive Architecture), Prof. Dr. Nicolas Remy (CRESSON), Thomas Laureyssens (MAD)
Session #4 – Site Sounds (29/10)
10.00 – 12.30 Seminar followed by psfa-bxl: transversal discussion
- Tactical challenge of urban sound strategies
- Creation of location-based experiences
- Sound art in transitional spaces
13.30- 17.00 : Field Session
- A sonic walk/remix along L28
Performance by Robin Koek and Flavien Gillié
Credits and Acknowledgments
Studio_L28 was developed by Caroline Claus during her 2015-16 Soccos Art Residencies:
- Concept, program and co-production by Caroline Claus
- Production, print and online communication by Q-O2 and Q-O2 intern Caroline Profanter
- Transversal discussion by psfa-bxl
With the kind support of the City of Brussels and Ans Persoons, Councilor for Dutch-speaking Affairs, Neighborhood Contracts and Participation.