Podcards

OVERVIEW

Podcards are audio postcards from a particular place. This activity asks participants to respond to prompts by recording different sound clips to create an audio postcard.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIES

• A recording device

• Audacity or another sound editing software

STEP-BY-STEP FACILITATION GUIDE

Step 1: Pick a place that contains some kind of memory of a historical moment related to themes in our work– something that is “buried” or erased through the current use of that place or architecture. You may want to think of some historical event or moment, and then figure out where it took place in the city. Remember that “historical” does not have to mean a long time ago. Current events are also historical.

Step 2: Record or download or sample three sounds. In total, all three sounds should not exceed 60 seconds. The sounds should represent:

• Place. A sound that represents the place.

• You. A sound that represents your interaction with that place.

• A link to the past or future. A sound that represents a memory or the past of this place.

Step 3: Edit the sound file. Using Audacity or a sound editor of your choice, turn the sounds into a single file.

Step 4: Create a “podcard” to go with the sound file. This is a recording of you reading a short piece of writing to go with the sound file. Create the podcard like a postcard, with an addressee and addressor (you can be creative). To your addressee, explain the place that you selected. Tell the background of that place. Explain what the three sounds are. Explain why you are sending the podcard.

*Activity created by Eve Tuck. For examples, see Episode 11 of The Henceforward podcast