Conversation Station
(Framing shared conversations within an intimate listening environment)- Client
- Knowle West Media Centre
- COLLABORATOR
- Julia Costa Carneiro
- Funded by
- GREENGAGE Experiment – Bristol Civic Observatory
- Type
- Mobile recording studio / Participatory media device
- Materials
- Plywood, 4-track recording device, high-capacity lithium-ion battery, various audio chassis connectors, microphone arms, dynamic microphones, various cables
Conversation Station is a mobile recording studio prototype developed in collaboration with Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) as part of the GREENGAGE experiment within the Bristol Civic Observatory. Part of an ongoing practice developing mobile devices for participatory listening and civic storytelling in public space. The device was developed on site in the maker space “KWMC FACTORY”, where a rapid prototyping process produced three iterations within 12 days, resulting in the final version that continues to be used by KWMC in further projects. The station was conceived to meet people where they are and capture community voices in neighbourhood contexts through accessible and focused sonic interaction.
The project creates a dedicated acoustic space in which participants wear headphones and engage in recorded conversations about their experiences, perceptions, and local changes. Designed as a citizen science tool, the Conversation Station supports participatory research processes by gathering qualitative voice data in public and semi-public environments.
Beyond its research function, the prototype enables young people and community members to act as co-researchers. By lowering technical barriers and embedding media production directly into everyday environments, it facilitates inclusive forms of civic participation and collective reflection.
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