Architecture and Music

Music is an interesting entity. It makes you feel happy, sad, relaxed, tense and so on. It recalls memories. For example, a specific song reminds you of a loved one, or a special moment in your life.

It can also be boring. Elevator music is often bland.

Music is also cultural. Every country has its unique instruments and its unique rhythms and harmonies.

Sound and music are related. Music is organized or improvised sound played over a period of time. Everyday sounds may be considered music.

The jingle of trains, trucks, and the random tempo of car horns provide a modern percussion soundtrack. The hum of a fan or an air conditioner can be a relaxing drone. The sounds of an old boiler or a radiator can act as an asymmetrical counterpoint to the everyday sounds of the people in that building.

Many, many years ago when I was a senior in high school I borrowed a record from the library. The record contained recordings of musical sculptures. Many of these sculptures produced music using a wind chime analogy. They produced music when various parts of the sculpture moved and interacted with each other. The music was interesting and I found this concept was fascinating.

The idea behind these sculptures was simple. Random interactions, a breeze, people walking by and touching the sculptures, etc. produced random music. Random interactions with random sculptures produced a random symphony.

I think music sculptures or musical architecture is an interesting concept. When houses and buildings are designed, space and lighting are considered. Why not sound? Why not create homes and buildings that take advantage of the surrounding sonic environment? Use architecture to enhance appealing sounds and use architecture to block unwanted sounds.

Music plays an integral part of our lives. MP3s are everywhere. Many people have fancy stereo systems in their cars because they live a good portion of their lives in their cars. Music relieves the stress and tedium of the day-to-day commute.

We also live a good portion of our lives in our homes. Why not use music or sound to make this portion of our lives more relaxing and comfortable.

When it is hot outside play a recording of a snowstorm. Some psychologists believe that this may make you feel cooler. If it is cold, play a recording of a fireplace.

Studies have shown that people find the sound of water to be more relaxing than any other sound. Play a recording of a gentle rainstorm, a country brook, or the sound of the surf when you are tense.

Chimes are an easy musical sculpture to incorporate into your living space. The randomness of this instrument may contribute to a relaxing environment.

Architecture defines our living and working space. Light and space are important. I believe acoustic considerations are also an important architectural contemplation.