Workshop on Ways of Listening: Archiving Sound in India

The MAEDH workshop on sound archiving provided an intensive introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of sound preservation, focusing on contemporary digital humanities and the Lavasa project’s innovative approach to story mapping and sonic documentation. Led by Dr. Majee, the session highlighted the multidimensional nature of soundscapes as both narrative tools and ecological markers. Students explored how urban and natural sounds merge to form dynamic sonic atmospheres, reflecting broader ecoacoustic studies. The workshop emphasized the sensory dimensions of sound perception, including the influence of spatial and environmental factors such as posture, light, and movement, while encouraging participants to connect these insights to their personal sensory experiences. Lavasa, with its evolving acoustic environment shaped by both urban noises and natural sounds, served as a primary case study, showcasing the role of soundscapes in documenting cultural histories and shaping urban identities. This practical example underlined how sonic environments are not only reflective of ecological interactions but also act as archives of socio-cultural narratives. The structured framework for sound archiving, comprising stages of capturing, cataloging, analyzing, and preserving, was central to the workshop and was illustrated through practical tools and methods. Adapted from international standards such as historical acoustemology and urban soundscape methodologies, these practices were essential for ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of Lavasa’s auditory data.

Students were introduced to advanced recording equipment and digital tools, including GIS mapping, which demonstrated how soundscapes interact with spatial design to create multi-dimensional urban experiences. Discussions explored the narrative potential of soundscapes in enriching Lavasa’s story by documenting the interplay of everyday sounds and socio-cultural transformations. Ethical considerations, such as community inclusion and privacy, were also emphasized, ensuring the methodologies were respectful and sensitive to local narratives. Dr. Majee framed sound as both a medium of storytelling and a lens for examining ecological resilience, drawing on ecoacoustic research to reveal how soundscapes reflect and influence environmental sustainability. By analyzing Lavasa’s acoustic environment, students conceptualized soundscapes as integral to the city’s cultural and ecological identity, bridging disciplines and fostering innovative urban research. Practical training complemented these theoretical insights, equipping students with skills to use sound-recording technologies and ensure minimal data loss during digitization, following global best practices. This hands-on approach enhanced understanding of technical nuances, including methods to preserve sonic fidelity and contextual metadata, critical for historical and ecological analyses. The workshop also integrated Lavasa’s GIS-enabled urban design framework, demonstrating how layered sound mapping could inform broader urban development strategies.

Active participation enriched the discussions, as students reflected on the interdisciplinary potential of sound mapping to merge urban history with sensory ecology, proposing innovative ways to document Lavasa’s evolution. Through exploring the socio-spatial dynamics of sound, participants considered how shifting soundscapes represent temporal and spatial changes, deepening the understanding of Lavasa’s unique narrative. These discussions illuminated the power of sound to transcend traditional urban analysis by offering a sensory dimension to spatial histories and ecological interactions. The ethical dimensions of sound preservation were a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity in archiving community narratives. By addressing these aspects, the workshop emphasized the need for responsible and community-centered practices in sound documentation. Ultimately, the workshop equipped students with a robust set of skills and theoretical foundations to advance the Lavasa project. By combining practical training with critical reflections, it positioned sound as a transformative medium for urban studies, capable of capturing the complex interplay of sound, space, and history. The students left with a deeper appreciation for soundscapes as archives of cultural and ecological identity, ready to contribute meaningfully to preserving Lavasa’s acoustic heritage and reimagining the role of sound in documenting urban transformations. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the workshop underscored the importance of integrating sound into urban planning and research, preparing participants to engage with Lavasa’s dynamic evolution in innovative and impactful ways.