Soundscape and territory. The case of San Nicolás, Cali, Colombia

Authors

  • Joaquín Llorca Universidad Icesi

Abstract

Apart from architecture and the urban space, the environment also contributes –beyond any administrative delimitation– to the generation of meaningful territories. This paper addresses the relationship that exists between space and sound –understood as soundscape - in San Nicolás de Cali, a traditional place that is about to experience some changes as the result of the implementation of urban renewal policies and the modernization of the Printing industry, the predominant activity that characterizes the area. Since 1894, this neighborhood has been home to a large number of small printing businesses that left a footprint of sound generated by the subtle “industrial symphony” performed by the drumming of old and new machines and offered to passersby from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This three-year research project develops a theoretical proposal through the definition of the sound territory concept, which is then validated through a case study. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, this study addresses the opinions of the community and uses methodologies that combine morphological analysis with the recording, sound measurement and hearing of landscapes which are mapped.

Author Biography

Joaquín Llorca, Universidad Icesi

Arquitecto y músico. Doctorando en teoría e historia de la arquitectura por la UPC de Barcelona. Profesor de los departamentos de Diseño y de Artes y Humanidades, de la Universidad Icesi de Cali