The conception of sound vs. the conception of matter : the case of the symbiotic relationship between music and architecture

Abstract

The scope of this writing is to ultimately give the broadest possible spectrum of that which relates the processes of conceiving and perceiving the music and architecture. Through the research done for this dissertation, many texts have been found which claim to explore this relationship; which, however, in the vast majority, consider one (albeit perhaps valid) aspect of this relationship; ignoring the bigger picture. Hence this writing attempts to explore the bigger picture; giving an overview of how music and architecture have related throughout the ages in their conception and perception; and ways and means in which they relate in the future. The nature of this dissertation is, then, such to encourage further research and studies in this much over-looked inter disciplinary field. In exploring the different levels at which this common ground occurs, the writing attempts to raise awareness about the ways in which one can use his ears to conceive architecture and his eyes to conceive music; generating a whole new set of tools in one's conceiving palette. The long history of this topic is largely explored on various levels and through various ages; from the prehistoric times till the present day and age. The discussion then goes to explore different ways in which an effective translation can be made between the aural and the visual worlds. An important distinction is made here which defines the different types of translation which can, and have, been made. The first is that made through direct mental abstraction. The second translation uses mathematics and scientific knowledge to bring sound and vision both down to the same language. Finally the poetic translation is sought; consisting of case sh1dies in which different figures have been directly inspired, through a poetic channel, by music within their architectural work. The discussion ends with the description of a proposal for installation which has been devised through the obtained knowledge yielded from the research made for this dissertation.