A “listening window” in pandemic times for COVID-19 in Icaraí, Niterói/RJ

Abstract

This paper reflects on the soundscape and urban vitality during the period of social isolation, decreed by the government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The object of research is the soundscape heard from a “listening window” located in a predominantly residential block in Icaraí, in the city of Niterói (RJ). The objective is to identify and record this soundscape in times of pandemic and the relationship that can be established between it and the vitality in the streets of the immediate surroundings during this period of isolation, between May and June 2020. The procedures adopted consider the listening and cultural experimentation of these urban sounds, in a qualitative, phenomenological and ethnographic approach, based on the systematic observation and listening of one of the authors. In the first moment, listening is done in the primary territory of the residence and in a second moment in the public territory surrounding the block. The results obtained demonstrate that the soundscape is able to identify the reduction of activities and flows of people on these streets, allowing some sounds to gain prominence in the “pandemic landscape” reflecting a new urban vitality, even if temporary, for those who experience and share of that experience.