The Walky Talky Tour (Our Project)

Audio Tour Route - Image courtesy Google

SECC Audio Tour - Here is the recording from the binaural audio tour of the SECC tunnel in Glasgow conducted on December 1st 2010. The direction of the tour takes the tunnel towards the SECC building.

To download the full audio file for your MP3 player, please click on the following link:

HTTP://WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/FILE/273JMZ

Our project, titled Walky Talky Tour developed through a collaborative process that included historical research, physical observation and ongoing dialogue amongst all of our group members. After a number of meetings our group decided upon the site of the SECC Walkway located near Exhibition Centre Station in the district of Anderston in Glasgow. This tunnel spans the Clydeside Expressway connecting commuters and concert goers to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. The SECC itself is Scotland’s most significant concert venue, regularly hosting live bands and performances. The site of the SECC is constantly visible from the walkway, with the view also encompassing the Finnieston Crane, and The Rotunda, two remnants of Glasgow’s industrial past.

Video Documentation of the Project

Although the "Walky Talky Tour" is intended as an audio piece where one interacts with the tunnel leading towards the SECC in a live setting... we have provided those who aren't in Glasgow the opportunity to view this location.

This video solely serves as a piece of documentation of the project.

How the Recording Works

Binaural recording is an audio recording method of that uses a special microphone arrangement and is intended for replay using headphones. Typically a dummy/mannequin head is employed to capture the sound with small microphones placed inside the pinnae (outer ears).

Here's a short sample (not our actual tour)

And group members during the recording;

The Project (photo's & documentation of the recording)

The tunnel leading to the SECC was designed by the Scottish firm James Parr and Partners and built by the Bovis Construction. The principal architect was Vincent Hamilton and the construction contract was 26 months. The total cost of the project (not adjusted for inflation) was £20,532,000 + £9,105,380 in site works and design fees).