Understanding how your high street feels
In 2024, Dr Chloe Steadman (project lead) and Loretta Lipworth (researcher) conducted a project into methods for researching high street atmospheres, funded by a Manchester Metropolitan University Research Accelerator Grant. The project aimed to establish which methods are most effective for researching atmosphere– the feel of place– on the high street. The study involved conducting a scoping literature review about atmospheric methods and trialling six methods thought to be particularly valuable for researching atmospheres, through researcher fieldwork visits and two walking tours with 10 participants on a British high street. The methods tried out include: drawing/mapping, photography, poetry, sensory participation, smellwalk, and soundwalk.
The researchers have created a guide for each of the six methods trialled in the research for those interested in using a particular method, and they have also combined them into a single Atmospheric Methods Guide for those wanting to learn about a range of methods that could be used to investigate the atmosphere or feel of place. The guides are designed to provide practical information and advice to academics, students, or practitioners about using creative and sensory methods to study atmospheres on the high street or other places. They offer an accessible starting point for those wanting to try out a method they have perhaps not used before and include: a background to the method; how to get started; benefits and challenges; example of the method in action, and suggested further reading. The researchers hope the guides inspire others to give some of these methods a go in their own work.
The researchers would love to know if you find use for the guides in your own research, work, or teaching. Please contact Dr Chloe Steadman if you would like to share how you've used any of the guides!
