Abstract

This study builds on recent literature that calls for a renewed attention for the sensorial dimension in research. The researchers examine the potential of a sensory research approach in studying the relationship between citizens and their living environment. They illustrate this by means of their own exploratory research in an urban renewal setting. Eight local residents were invited to walk together with the researchers in their own city while ‘opening up’ their senses and sharing their lived experiences. The sensory focus allowed researchers to tap into the concrete physical aspects as well as inner processes (feelings, memories, imaginations) related to the place under research. The paper draws attention to the implications of a sensory research approach with regard to how we are accustomed to collect and analyze qualitative research materials. It concludes with a number of challenges and directions for further research.

How to Cite:

Coemans, S., Vandenabeele, J. & Hannes, K., (2018) “Een sensorische onderzoeksmethodologie: implicaties en illustraties vanuit exploratief onderzoek in een Leuvens stadsdeel in ontwikkeling”, Sociologos 39(1), 23–47. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86963