I hear the soundscape as a language with which places and societies express themselves. In the face of rampant noise pollution, I want to be understanding and caring of this 'language' and how it is 'spoken.'. . Perhaps in that way these natural sounds can be understood as occupying an important place in the soundscape and warrant respect and protection. -Hildegard Westerkamp
A sound map of a city is like a growing organism. It reflects the town´s identity: the physical space, the sounds of living and moving, the time, the weather. Sound maps also mark the social and cultural transformation of place as years, decades and centuries leave their mark.
Sound maps are containers, concepts and ideas how to hold and gather. Sound maps of different places, areas, cities and towns are very popular fenomen in internet. All you need is a site, a phone and a google maps...
Turku listening map want to be a little more. We are looking into new directions: how could we make sound maps into listening maps. Maps are not only containers but also instruments and utilities which enable the citizens to take control of their acoustical environments, help them understand the meaning and value of their everyday soundscape and how to respect and protect the soundsacpes.
"A map does not just chart, it unlocks and formulates meaning; it forms bridges between here and there, between disparte ideas that we did not know were previously connected."
- Reif Larsen: The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet.
