Research question
Is sound a factor in how we perceive powerful spaces?
What are the characteristics of sound in powerful spaces?
Experiment
To fully understand our task of spreading power through space, we first had to explore the power dynamics of space. Some spaces are identified as inherently powerful. Still interested in how sound affects our perceptions of space, we decided to visit markedly powerful spaces in Zwolle and record the sounds there.
ArtEZ Conservatorium
We first head to the ArtEZ Conservatorium courtyard. We believe this to be a powerful space firstly because it’s an institution of higher education, it’s an old building, and the music of the students studying there can be heard throughout the day.
Grote Kerk
Large old churches hold great power. Despite one’s personal religious beliefs, the power that exists in this church is undeniable and physical. The structure is heavy and overbearing. We had to ask permission to record the sounds of the Grote Kerk, already establishing an imbalanced power dynamic between us and the volunteers at the church. A man was there practicing the organ, filling the space with deep undulating noise.
City Hall
Government establishments are powerful places. We make a stop at Zwolle’s City Hall where decisions impacting the city’s population are debated and made everyday. We also ask for permission to record here. The lobby was eerily silent. We are told that we can use the small courtyard just beyond where we are standing. There are sounds of planes flying overhead.
Sassenpoort
The Sassenpoort in Zwolle, an old gatehouse located in the original city wall built in 1409, is our next and last stop. This building holds so much history and has been preserved for this reason. We have to buy tickets to enter this building. We climb the tight and steep stairs to the top of the tower, taking recordings along the way. The bell rings, the wooden floors creak, and there are the sounds of wind coming from outside.
Findings
Different types of sound recordings of the above-mentioned spaces.
