The Engine Room Sound Laboratory (TERSL) and the Community Led Research Pilot

The Engine Room Sound Laboratory (TERSL) were one of the six community organisations who participated in the Community Led Research Pilot (CLRP). They are a community organization based at the Dee Park estate. TERSL gets the local community involved to foster trust and empowerment, ensuring that their research is truly inclusive. They work with a very diverse group of people including the young, older, disabled, neurodivergent, unemployed to foster a truly inclusive community. With over 30 years of experience and collaboration with various community groups, TERSL advocates for urban development practices that prioritise well-being and inclusivity.

The Community-Led Research Pilot (CLRP) was a programme of six projects which were co-created between community groups across Reading and Slough, the University of Reading (UoR), the British Science Association (BSA), and funded UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

As part of the pilot, The Engine Room Sound Laboratory (TERSL) investigated how sound and acoustics influence the well-being of the Dee Park urban community. The project explored the sound of emotions through concrete, the impact of colours on well-being, and noise effects on concentration.

Core research theme: Investigate how sound, ambience and (eco)acoustics can affect the wellbeing and mental health of a community.

Community Leaders: Philip Newcombe and Lisa-Marie Gibbs

Lab: Neuroscience of Reward Group @NRG_lab   https://www.nrg-lab.co.uk/ 

Researchers: Ceara Webster (D&I Advisor, University of Reading and PhD Candidate in Geography, University of Glasgow), Annet Twinokwesiga (Architect and MSc Spatial Planning and Development student, University of Reading) 

As part of the concluded pilot, each group co-produced a series of tools and resources, including research findings, case studies, and videos:

The Engine Room created their own ‘sound’ film, highlighting what the Dee Park Estate sounds like

The Engine Room Case Study

If you would like to know more about the Community Led Research Pilot, get in touch at [email protected]