This article addresses the issue of noise in public spaces, pointing out the limitations of simple regulation and emphasizing the need for a proactive approach that recognizes the cultural value of sound and creates new spaces.
In the middle of a concert by a symphony orchestra, a cell phone rings, shattering the calm flow of the music and the serene tension. The audience looked around the room, and it was the orchestra’s violinist who quickly pulled his phone out of his pocket and turned it off. The performance continued, but the mood of the concert was ruined, and many people who were enjoying the music were left cold. While this is an extreme case, it illustrates the fact that noise in public spaces can be a serious social problem.
Noise problems are deeply connected to the development of material civilization. As industrialization progresses, we have more and more “personal tools” in our lives. Thanks to these tools, our lives are becoming increasingly convenient, rational, and efficient. However, the gains are made in the context of the relationship between the individual and the objects he or she owns, and beyond that, a whole other set of problems arise. The proliferation of personal tools in a limited space creates contradictions in the relationship between the individual and the individual, the tool and the tool, and the tool and the other. The same goes for noise. Tools that provide convenience and efficiency at the individual level create inconvenience and inefficiency at the collective level. Many societies regulate noise in public spaces to prevent personal tools from infringing on the rights of others.
But regulating noise is not the only way to serve the public good. Sound is inherently more than just a physical entity, but a cultural value. For example, the sound of a trimmer’s scissors, a cobbler’s scissors, a popping sound, or the chirping of crickets in the memories of older generations can be meaningful archives of an individual’s life. These sounds also capture the changing seasons, reflect local life and history, and are the building blocks of culture, capturing spatial and temporal diversity. Therefore, beyond passive measures to regulate noise, we need active strategies to create cultural spaces through sound. In urban planning, this is approached with the concept of ‘soundscape’.
Soundscape is the art of creating a space that creates an atmosphere through sounds that are pleasing to the ear. For example, creating small fountains and waterways in city centers so that pedestrians can naturally hear the sound of water. Soundscapes can also be used to create spaces that capture the character and cultural identity of a community through sound. For example, local governments can designate “sound spots” or “soundscapes to protect” to highlight local culture, bring attention to sound issues among residents, and even serve as tourist attractions.
Regulation is not the only way to address the negative effects of private tools on public spaces. Ultimately, we need to be proactive in creating new spaces that recognize the cultural value and public nature of sound.
