Voices of the Unseen: Amplifying Custodial Staff Narratives on a university campus

Keywords: Invisible Labour, Digital Storytelling, Immersive Audio, Lived Experiences, Campus Spaces
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

This poster presentation introduces an ongoing research project exploring spatial empathy by amplifying the lived experiences of custodial staff at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. Using immersive 3D sound technology, we transform custodial staff's narratives into audio experiences that highlight their often ‘invisible’ contributions to campus life. These audio pieces reveal the intricate spatial and social dynamics within the campus, offering a fresh perspective on labour, visibility, and place-based justice.
Through semi-structured interviews, we delve into how custodial staff navigate the university’s physical spaces and social landscapes, often unnoticed by other community members. These stories, shared through sound, aim to foster empathy and increase awareness among students, faculty, and staff. By experiencing these voices in a deeply immersive format, listeners can better understand the complexities of daily life for individuals whose work underpins the university’s functioning but is frequently overlooked.
Attendees of this poster session are invited to scan the QR code provided to access the audio artifacts, enabling them to listen to the custodial staff’s stories firsthand. The immersive experience encourages a more profound reflection on the importance of recognizing labour that shapes shared spaces and how spatial empathy can foster a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.