Trace.space: a psychogeographical community project with members of an arts and health organisation

ABSTRACT

In this article we present a psychogeographical community project involving members of an arts and health organisation. Using creative ways to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals, we draw on the concepts of trace and spaces to map relationships between researchers and participants. This project was underpinned by three aims which were: to do community group work to produce contributions both in and beyond the University; to playfully critique everyday life in consumer capitalist society and finally, to consider the extent to which personal and social changes could be enabled. To realise those aims, we put into practice a range of architectural, community psychological and psychogeographical methods such as photo-elicitation, dice walking and scavenger hunting. We also facilitated participatory workshops which involved the production of artistic maps, writing poems and short stories. We conclude the paper with reflections from stakeholders with conclusions and future psychogeographical research being considered.

KEYWORDS:

• Architecture
• community group work
• critical and community psychology
• psychogeography

Acknowledgements

Thank you to everyone who was involved in this project, including the disillusioned lunatic, Rebecca, Terry, David, Barrie, Devi, and Richard. Thanks also to financial support and input from Rotor, Kirklees Council, the Hoot creative arts, and Out of the Blue (OOB) team, including Von, Kim, Phil, Chris, Gerry, Qudsia, Dave, Rob, NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, and the University of Huddersfield. All participants and groups provided consent to be named. Hoot and OOB participants gave consent in order to showcase their artistic contributions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander J. Bridger

Alexander J. Bridger is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counselling at the University of Huddersfield, teaching in social psychology, qualitative research methods, psychogeography, and other areas. He is the author of several articles on psychogeography and is currently involved in writing a book for the Concepts in Critical Psychology book series titled Psychogeography and Psychology. He is also involved in a number of psychogeographical projects and groups in the North of England.

Sophia Emmanouil

Sophia Emmanouil is an Architect and Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Huddersfield. She is also a participatory arts facilitator and runs a range of projects in partnership with schools, community groups, and other Voluntary and Community Collectives. Her research, which incorporates Situationist approaches to space, place, and mapping, transgresses architecture, design, and education and takes experimental approaches to sustainability and psychogeography. Her work also considers art, design, and architecture from a public engagement perspective.

Rebecca Lawthom

Rebecca Lawthom is a Professor in Community Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. She uses community participatory methods and is interested in areas such as migration, disability, and community work.