The Mapping Ambience Toolkit

The Mapping Ambience Toolkit for Dr Caitlin Robinson
School of Geography at the University of Bristol
Ellie Shipman, 2026

The Mapping Ambience Toolkit (watch the process video here) was designed for Dr Caitlin Robinson and her team at the University of Bristol’s School of Geography to visualise their research on ambient variability - the different invisible factors which shape our lives and health - air pollution, mould, traffic and much more.

This interactive toolkit acts as a prompt for the public to learn more and map their own ambient factors at research workshops and festivals.

The deck of cards contain prompt questions, enabling the toolkit to be facilitated by anyone and used in different ways. The illustrations of the various ambient factors are based on Dr Caitlin Robinson's research, themed in sets related to air pollution, climate and energy.

These illustrations were printed onto clear stickers then applied to recycled acrylic discs to form the interacting circles which participants can place onto house markers on the city map. Researchers can then photograph the different intersecting markers to get a sense of how ambience is overlapping for people at a home, neighbourhood and city scale.

If you are interested in using this toolkit for workshops with your school, university or community group please get in touch.