Evoking the Post-industrial Landscape Memories through Spectrality and Mixed Reality Soundscapes

Abstract

Spectrality describes the spatiotemporal relationships between landscape and memories where the past ĝ€ haunt' the present. We explore how spatialized soundscapes may evoke the spectral memories of physical landscape. To do this, we curated a site-specific mixed reality audio walk at Carrie Furnace, a national historic landmark in Pittsburgh's ĝ€ Rivers of Steel' National Heritage area. This audio walk leverages virtual soundscapes, mobile mixed reality, and open-ended narratives. Each visitor takes a unique path through the spectral memories of the site's industrial past and post-industrial relics. Findings from an eleven-person user study assess our approach to spatialized spectral soundscapes and reveal the dimensions (content, context, experience) that resonate with audiences.