Artful journeys: improving the traveller’s experience

Summary

Public transport involves more than getting as quickly and cheaply as possible from A to B. As for many people the use of transport forms a significant part of their daily life, the experience of being in a train, a bus station etc. should ideally be a positive one, or even an enjoyable one. If we want to get people out of their car, improving the traveller experience is necessary and an important way of doing so is to improve the aesthetic experience of travel.

The proposed PhD project will investigate the expectations of transport planners, operators and passengers with respect to artistic design of different aspects of the public transport system, such as metro/bus stations, bus stops and the interiors of public transport vehicles. It is likely to involve engaging with artists and art experts, covering visual art and/or music. Ways of engaging the public in creating or interacting with art may also be investigated. Two potential approaches can be highlighted: (1) students coming up with their own artistic designs; and/or (2) research as to how artistic design might impact on issues of social inclusion/exclusion.

Transport planners are usually focussed on how to get travellers from A to B in the most efficient and safe way. However, travellers are not parcels but humans who have experiences during their travel. Art is a way to enhance the human experience. Making journeys by using public transport more enjoyable is stimulating more sustainable travel. The PhD project will investigate the way in which art can contribute to a positive travel experience, the many forms art in transport can take, as well as researching the methods to explore this topic.

This PhD project will perform a more in-depth research in art and transport. By using different methods and involving different types of traveller, insights may be gained into how art in public transport can improve the travel experience and stimulate people to use public transport. Next to directly engaging with travellers, social media may be used to gather information on this topic. These insights will lead to recommendations for transport operators, but may also be of interest to artists who are (or want to be) involved in producing art for transport facilities. The PhD project may also come up with new research methods and innovative ways of interacting with travellers to elicit their ideas and experiences.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.