This master's project investigated ways to embrace the urban soundscape and in turn determined how to enhance environments through the careful consideration of sounds. As articulated by Michael Southworth in The Sonic Environment of Cities, "Without sound, visual perception is different: less contrast[ing], less attention-demanding, and less informative…" In urban areas sounds have an enormous impact on the health and well being of the community and could be a vital factor in distinguishing strong communities from weak ones. The project explored the concept of sound in architecture through the design of an urban recreation center in downtown Tampa.