ENGLISH MEBY

土壌汚染、消費文化、そして芸術:現代社会の複雑な相互作用」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of soil contamination, stage design, and middle-class consumption are, in fact, intricately interwoven threads in the tapestry of modern society. Consider the case of a thriving city, where rapid industrialization in the past century has left a legacy of soil pollution in formerly industrial areas. This contamination, often involving heavy metals and other toxins, renders these sites unusable for residential development or agriculture. However, the economic realities of urban centers often dictate a need for revitalization. One solution gaining traction is the repurposing of these contaminated sites for cultural projects. The high cost of land in urban cores makes these formerly industrial sites, despite their environmental challenges, economically attractive for large-scale ventures, such as new theaters or art centers. This development appeals to the middle class's growing demand for cultural experiences and contributes to the overall vibrancy of the city, creating a positive feedback loop between economic growth and cultural enrichment. The stage design for these new theaters presents unique challenges. The presence of soil contamination necessitates specialized construction techniques, adding to the overall cost of the project. Furthermore, the artistic vision of the set designers must often be adapted to accommodate the environmental constraints. Innovative materials and techniques are required, leading to creative collaborations between architects, engineers, and artists. This fusion of environmental remediation and artistic expression represents a new frontier in both stagecraft and urban renewal. The success of such projects, however, hinges on various factors. The middle class's willingness to engage with these new cultural venues, their spending power, and the quality of the artistic offerings are crucial. Furthermore, transparent communication about the environmental remediation process is vital to gain public trust. The perceived risk associated with the contaminated site, however real or imagined, can significantly influence audience attendance. This interplay between economics, environment, and culture underscores the complex dynamics of modern urban development.

1. What is the main point of the passage?

2. The passage suggests that the repurposing of contaminated sites for cultural projects is attractive primarily because of:

3. According to the passage, what is a key factor in the success of these cultural revitalization projects?

4. What challenge does the passage highlight regarding the stage design in these repurposed areas?