Visualising Rhythm and Soundscape in Everyday Bus Journey in Medellín, Colombia

This research delves into the intricate world of urban mobility, with a specific focus on the daily experiences of bus travel in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Through a unique blend of phenomenological analysis, visual mapping, and soundscape exploration, it’s possible to unravel the complex web of societal practices that shape public transportation systems, precisely through three key methodological strategies: perception, listening, and normative reading. These strategies provide a multifaceted understanding of bus travel, ranging from the minute gestures of passengers to the broader regulatory frameworks that govern this mode of transport. Everyday life is embraced as the cornerstone for understanding society. Public transportation, particularly the buses of Medellín, encapsulates the paradoxical interplay between established norms and spontaneous rhythms. This research dissects the "molar" aspects, marked by urban structures and systemic regulations, and the "molecular" intricacies interwoven in the minutiae of daily travel. Passengers and drivers share a unique relationship, with drivers assuming a constant vigilance role through mirrors. In contrast, passengers can engage in diverse visual practices or immerse themselves in the captivating scenery. The bus's interior, filled with reflective surfaces and transparent elements, creates a visually stimulating environment where multiple images and sounds coexist. Graphic methods aim to illustrate the correlation between molar and molecular urban elements and the intricate network of public transportation. In our pursuit to incorporate a temporal dimension, we introduced innovative tools such as timelines and sound maps within our cartographic explorations, presenting both new opportunities and challenges.