Broadgate Stories is a unique audio guide to the stunning art and architecture at Broadgate, City of London. Situated in the heart of the Square Mile, Broadgate is the Capitalís premier business destination, home to some of the worldís largest corporations and leading professional practices where over 30,000 people work each day. The app uses GPS technology to trigger audio narratives and spoken word pieces which you can listen to through headphones on your mobile phone.
If you are in the area covered by the app selecting ëWalk Aroundí mode will enable you to utilise the GPS on your phone to play the stories. Starting anywhere on Broadgate, walk any route you like; the audio is triggered as you approach the landmarks marked on the illustrated map. To hear more of the story you can simply remain at the location, or you can move on to hear something new. In between landmarks you will hear other soundscapes, resulting in a seamless auditory experience. You can either follow the map or if youíre feeling more adventurous you can put your phone in your pocket and listen to the stories as chance takes you.
When you are not in the area or would prefer to relax in one place, switching to ëTake A Seatí mode will also allow you to listen to all the narratives on the app without leaving your chair. Simply tap on each landmark to trigger the audio.
The audio was co-produced with students from Hackney Community College who collected interviews, sound effects and observations from the public and also created their own spoken word pieces, snippets of which are used in the stories. Selecting the Lyrical Corner section of the app allows you to hear the spoken word pieces created by the students in their entirety.
On the app you will also hear stories from people who work at Broadgate, commentary about the artists who created the sculptures and installations and interviews with the public on the impact that the art and buildings have had on the surroundings.