Relationship Between Music & Architecture

 

Over the years, there have been many studies related to the relationship between architecture and music. People define this link according to their own point of view. Most of them express that architecture and music have numerous shared attributes, for instance, dynamics, proportion, harmony, texture and rhythm. Some are of the opinion that the tone produced by architecture resembles the effect of music, while others use the term “frozen music” to refer to architecture.

Pattern is an important factor of rhythm. Architecture and music, both have patterns. While architecture has patterns in form of structural elements or design, music follows it through repetition and beat. The music texture is related to the rhythms with various instruments and layering of various sounds. Texture is also represented by materials in architecture. The blend of various materials can demonstrate a wide range of textures and how they can collaborate with each other.

Harmony can be in the form of balance in a melodic work. Effective use of various designs and materials in one space exhibits harmony in architecture. The suitable use of proportions in music in notes and intervals gives a sense of harmony to the entire work. Similarly, in architecture, the right proportion of materials builds balance. Architectural settings are harmonized by the right balance. Quality comes with dynamics. Some specific standards are to be followed, both in architecture and music, so that the work turns out to be beneficial and significant.

We feel the music by closing our eyes and listening to a melodic tune or humming. Same is the case with structures. You can feel a sense of harmony and presence of texture upon touching the surface of a material or a structure.

There are various ways in which architecture and music appear to be similar. Dynamics, proportion, harmony, texture and rhythm are some of the instances. Whether through songs or buildings, they are all joining into the arts. The common traits shared by architecture and music can be used to encourage one another. The more mutual characteristics, the more impact both can have on each other.