How would music and architecture come together? Music is an abstract art based on harmony and rhythm, so does architecture. Each form of expression utilizes different mediums to represent ideas. In the case of music, the instruments are the mediators. On the other hand, in architecture, the compositional principles are represented with structures and systems. One of the similarities between these two is the use of proportion and rhythm to express ideas, creativity, and culture. Therefore, the beauty of these two forms of expression is how they influence each other in different scenarios. In this case, we are going to study when music influences architecture. For that reason, we are going to introduce ten different music inspired projects which exemplify when it comes to architecture and music. We will explore those projects where architects become performers and architecture is the instrument.
1. Chimes House in Exeter, England | Inspired project
The house is a private residential project commissioned to David Sheppard, and its primary purpose is to create a house to display pianos. It is also relevant to know that Rudolf Steiner’s eurythmy concept inspired Sheppard because this led the project and how the architect created a new interpretation of the space. This concept, an expressive movement technique that explains how the movement can be represented in art and music, or this case, through space. For more information about this beautiful house designed for a pianist, please visit: https://www.dezeen.com
2. Daeyang Gallery and House in Seoul, South Korea
Steven Holl Architects designed this gallery and house. Also, it is an experiment to research known as “the architectonics of music.” The building’s geometry is inspired by the composer Istvan Anhalt, in which the sketch of music is described in “Symphony of Modules.” The private project is an exemplification of how music influences tectonics. This project is not only known for its exciting application of analytical research on “the architectonic of music” but also for its ecological innovations. Such as Geothermal heating and cooling and the use of natural light in all its spaces. For more articles and videos about this project, please visit: https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/daeyang-gallery-and-house-ii-videos
3. Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic | Inspired project
Believe it or not, this building is real. The architects who designed this project were Frank Ghery and Vlado Milunić. The name of “Dancing House” is derived from Czechoslovakia’s historic transition from a communist regime to parliamentary democracy. Also, the inspiration for the deconstructivism architectural building comes from a classic film coupled with excellent dancing skills. The two dancers are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The left part of the construction symbolizes Giger and her dress. On the other site, Fred Astaire is represented as the right side of the structure, and on top, the designers created an abstraction of his hat. For more information the dramatic structure, please visit: https://www.praguego.com/honest-guide/dancing-house-building/
4. Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany
The architectural project is a memorial museum which exhibits the social and cultural history of the Jews in Germany during the Holocaust. The project started as a competition, and the winner was Daniel Libeskind, and he was the architect in charge of The Berlin Jewish Museum. The influence of music on the project is part of its essence; Libeskind used musical work from Arnold Schonberg. The opera, Moses und Aron, was an integral part of the architectural composition. Libeskind was highly influenced by the same, and it allowed him to represent the social and historical aspects of the holocaust in every corner of the museum. For more information about the philosophical guide of musicality and intellectual contribution, please click on the link: https://libeskind.com/work/jewish-museum-berlin/
5. The Harp-Nieuw Viennep Bridge in Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands | Inspired project
The harp inspired the bridge that connects to the west region of Amsterdam Airport. The structure was designed with a cable-stayed structure that is held by an inclined pylon. Santiago Calatrava designed the bridge, and its complex structure and high performance have recognized this project worldwide. For more information about The Harp-Nieuw Viennep Bridge, please visit: https://arcspace.com/feature/three-bridges-over-the-hoofdvaart/
6. The Singing Ringing Tree Burnley, United Kingdom
In this case, the project is a sculpture that was completed in 2006. The architects, Anna Lui and Mike Tonkin designed a musical sculpture, and the same was built of galvanized steel pipes. The position of the sculpture allows the structure to interact with the wind. Consequently, the energy produces an exciting song. For more information about this fascinating sculpture, please visit: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/singing-ringing-tree
7. The Music Box in Louisiana, United States
This project is one of the pioneers in the area. It retakes the essence of New Orleans and applies it to the different constructions within the project in which each box interacts as an instrument. The pieces could be found within the space, such as, on the floor, walls, and even the ceilings. The incorporation of architecture as a literal instrument is what keeps this space alive. For more information and musical notes of architecture, please visit: https://musicboxvillage.com/
8. Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia | Inspired project
The project is a masterpiece designed by Nikola Bašić, and throughout the years; it has been the apple of the eyes of tourists and locals around Croatia. Sea Organ represents the beauty of architecture with nature. It might be curious to discover what does make this project memorable, and the answer is simple. The project’s system integrates the sea and wind motion to create different sounds. Also, Sea organ is defined as an experimental musical instrument whose medium is architecture. As a result, this project’s beauty is about the moment when architecture and nature join to create a melody. To listen to this piece of art, please access the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H185J3qnHCc
9. Stretto House in Dallas, United States of America
On this list, this is the second project by the renowned architect Steven Holl. His inspiration for the house came from a conversation with a student interested in “Stretto.” The structures belong to vernacular architecture, and Holl represented the overlapped percussion and the instrument’s strings with architectural elements. The house’s challenges were to materialize the four parts of the musical composition and represented in construction. For more information about the Stretto House:
http://www.housesgardenspeople.com/2012/01/dallas-modern-homes-tour.html
10. Old Schmitt Music Building in Minnesota, United States of America | Inspired project
This project was for one of the largest full-service music retailers in the United States, known as Schmitt Music Company. The idea of this composition was from the owner of the company. He wanted to represent the purpose of the company in one of the sides of the building. As a result, the partiture represented is from Maurice Ravel’s “Gaspard de la Nuit.” For more information about this fascinating composition, visit: https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm3FX0_Schmitt_Music_Mural_Minneapolis_MN
