Sezin Nas, a researcher in acoustics, has explored the unique acoustic environment of the underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey, reconstructing its ancient soundscape.
Derinkuyu, with its intricate tunnels and ventilation shafts, functioned as a refuge and city, integrating architecture and acoustics for communication and social interaction.
Nas's interdisciplinary study delves into how sound influenced spatial experiences within Derinkuyu, focusing on its ventilation system and acoustic ecology.
Through 3D virtual soundscape technologies, Nas created immersive auditory simulations, offering a glimpse into how sound shaped daily life in the underground city.
Her findings presented at the Acoustical Society of America showcase the contrast between underground and open-air urban soundscapes, highlighting the role of sound in social organization.
Derinkuyu's acoustic design underscores how sound was intertwined with social hierarchies, communication, and spatial use within the subterranean environment.
The research not only informs modern underground urban design but also stresses the importance of preserving acoustic heritage in cultural understanding.
By reconstructing historical soundscapes, researchers can offer a more holistic view of past societies, integrating sensory experiences into archaeological narratives.
Nas's work exemplifies the intersection of technology and cultural history, providing avenues for immersive educational experiences in archaeological sites like Derinkuyu.
Overall, the study of Derinkuyu's soundscape sheds light on how sound shapes human environments, challenging traditional views of architecture and urban spaces.