Psychogeography Project

In a group of three we created a psychogeography map which is interpreted by us in an individual way. 

My group decided to draw a circle on a map of Leicester and walk it with the camera, as we drew the random lines on the map it became clear the 'circle' had become a coffin. After doing some research on the area I discovered that Leicester is one of the most haunted cities in the UK, either it was a coincidence or fate. Using this new information we were able to turn our project from a random circle to a ghost walk, stopping at certain places to explain the many paranormal incidents from that place. We went at night to enhance the 'spooky' feel of the walk although there were a lot of cars causing noise pollution on the camera but we did our best.

 

(the coffin walk)

A Psychogeography map is defined as "the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organised or not, on the emotions and behaviour of individuals".

At first I didn't understand what Psychogeography meant at all, I kept thinking of the psycho bit and then the geography bit and thinking 'killer locations?' it is a hard concept to get when you keep picturing a murderer at an estate agents. Fortunately after hours of reading the definition and group discussion I do now know what Pyschogeography stands for. It's an interpretation of ones surroundings - consciously or sub-consciously.

The Project Video

 

When I think about it, I am constantly taking in my surroundings; I stare at buildings as I'm walking to lectures and a watch people as I'm in town shopping. Leicester has a lot of things to take in when you walk around it. From the clock tower in the centre to the Griffin statues outside the town hall, there is plenty to look at. The same can be said for my hometown St.Albans where I was born and raised, being the oldest Roman city in the UK does have a special meaning. I took for granted the Roman walls in Verulanium Park and the cobbled streets in the town centre. Even some of the shops are from the Tudor era, I grew up with historical surrounding and didn't even realise until this project.

Of course I knew these facts about my hometown but there is knowing and then there's seeing; realising where you're walking is where Queen Boadicea burned Verulamium town to the ground is an unusual feeling. If this project has taught me anything it is that surroundings are more influential to one's mind then people realise.