During a recorded discussion on urban ecology, soundscape researcher Professor Joaquín Serrano answers an inquiry regarding urban acoustic management:
Camila: "Many municipal planners view ambient city soundscapes as unavoidable noise pollution that should merely be suppressed with physical acoustic barriers. How do you evaluate that approach in light of your bioacoustic mapping project?"
Professor Serrano: "Treating urban acoustics solely as a nuisance to muffle overlooks the vital ecological information embedded in sound. While conventional barriers address volume, they often create sterile acoustic dead zones. Our recordings show that when cities intentionally cultivate micro-habitats with running water and native vegetation, the resulting natural soundscape naturally masks traffic rumble while restoring biological connectivity. It is not about silencing the city, but about reintroducing living frequencies."
Which of the following best characterizes Professor Serrano's attitude toward conventional municipal noise control methods?
- AHe enthusiastically endorses acoustic barriers as the definitive solution for reducing traffic volume.
- BHe aligns with city planners in believing that urban environments must be completely silenced.
- He considers them an oversimplified strategy that creates sterile environments instead of cultivating natural auditory vitality.Answer
- DHe suggests that mechanical traffic rumble should be preserved as an essential component of urban ecological balance.