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Quiet zones will make Singapore a more appealing global city

The art of soundscaping - using human and natural sounds to create a pleasant urban environment - is the next challenge in city planning. Just as Singapore incorporates greenery into its urban design, it can incorporate sound oases and quiet areas within the city.

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The morning air was chilled from a night of rain, leaving a gentle drizzle that kept the crowds away.

I walked along Tanjong Beach as dawn broke, sinking my feet into the sand. Picking a spot close to where the water lapped at the ocean's edge, I unfurled the rain jacket I had brought and spread it out on the deserted beach to lie on my back, gazing up at the clouds.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 23, 2021, with the headline Quiet zones will make Singapore a more appealing global city. Subscribe