Walk, See, Create: Google-Mapping Collaboration

Walking is integral to creative thought and practice, as highlighted by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Rebecca Solnit. Both Graphic Design and Illustration as subjects encourage students and practitioners to observe the world around us in order to make informed comment. This belief that locative practice is beneficial to students has led to the development of digital mapmaking workshops by the University of Worcester Graphics and Illustration departments.

These experimental ‘Psychogeographic’ mapping workshops aim to encourage exploration of the city of Worcester and the surrounding area. In doing so, students record their thoughts and observations through drawing, photography, film and writing. Mapping is the main objective of these walks; the entire groups’ recordings being linked to online maps creating a unique collaborative response to the environment, documenting individual discoveries and routes that have been taken whilst exploring the city.

This presentation will reflect on these early project outcomes and discuss the application of this activity in further teaching and learning activities, residencies and potential partnerships with organisations such as the Worcestershire Canal Ring and local schools, creating maps that aim to promote creative events and encourage participation within the wider community.

Keywords: Maps, Collaboration, Partnerships, Illustration, Graphic Design, Locative Research, Locative Media