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Proposals by Barry Truax

The concept of “acoustic design” majorly refers to a system of acoustic communication that is a soundscape and tries to determine the way it functions. This paper seeks to provide information on acoustic design and how it applies to real-life situations. The main aspects to be taken into consideration are the proposals by Barry Truax. The paper will majorly pick up some quotes used by Truax to explain what he is trying to pass across and how the same can be applied in life.

“The soundscape which is balanced is sensitive to change just as it is to noise.”

In this quote, Truax is trying to put across the point that the forces which control sounds balance are prone to change. This is because there are situations such as a change in population which bring about changes in the soundscape.

Proposals by Barry Truax

“Nonetheless, diversity in the incoming information must be matched by its being interpreted as a means of efficient communication.”

This is one of the quotes from Truax’s work. In this case, he is trying to bring into attention the fact that in order for communication to be effective, the intended information ought to be in order (Schafer, 1993). This is because too much-unordered information is similar to too little information. This gives a clear impression that such information is useless to the brain.

“Environmental noise, as we have already discussed, is not only meaningless to the listener itself but also obscures other sound information.”

Truax is trying to put across the point that environmental sounds that are so high tend to reduce the degree of hearing. This means that a reduction in listening makes it impossible for the listeners to hear the intended message.

Generally, soundscape balance has to be altered in relation to changes taking place to make sure that communication is effective (Thompson, 2004).  Information is passed on at the same time ought to be in order so that the listeners can understand the content. Rules and regulations have to be put in place as well to make certain that environmental noise is regulated for the purpose of avoiding disruption. Implementation of these strategies generally makes it possible for communication to be effective (Hirschkind, 2013).

References
  • Hirschkind, C. (2013). The Ethical Soundscape: Cassette Sermons and Islamic Counterpublics. Columbia: Columbia University Press.
  • Schafer, R. M. (1993). The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Turning of the World. United States: Inner Traditions Bear.
  • Thompson, E. (2004). The Soundscape of Modernity: Architectural Acoustics and the Culture of Listening in America, 1900-1933. Cambridge: MIT Press.

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