RHYTHM

Salvan, G. (1999). Architectural Theories of Design (revised edition). JMC

PRESS, INC.
RHYTH
M

 movement

 repetition

 spacIng

20XX PRESENTATION TITLE 2

RHYTHM
Music is an art that is heard. It is a combination of sounds arranged in such a manner as to
arouse various reactions of pleasure, interest or excitement. Architecture is an art which is
seen. It is a composition of elements so arranged as to serve a utilitarian purpose and, in
addition, to have an emotional appeal. The music of the western world is based upon
rhythm, melody and harmony. Rhythm is the foundation of music. Although it is necessary
that there be tones of pleasing quality, still these tones must first be organized into some
kind of time or spacing.
 Unorganized sounds result in discord or dissonance
 unorganized architectural forms cause confusion.
Movement is the basis of rhythm. The movement in music may consist of the time, which
may be fast or slow, or it may be the Tempo or repetition of the theme through the
composition, regular or irregular.
There is the same feeling of movement in architecture. A building is, of course, static. It
remains indefinitely upon its foundations. But there is a movement of the theme as it travels
across the facade of the building- the eye pausing here to look at this detail and then going
on to the next.
 An unbroken wall has no rhythm.
There is nothing except texture to arrest the attention; nothing to be
seen beyond the shape and contour of the surface.

3
Rhythm
 refers to the regular or harmonious recurrence of lines, shapes, forms, or
colors. It incorporates the fundamental notion of repetition as a device to
organize forms and spaces in architecture.
 Almost all building types incorporate elements that are, by their nature,
repetitive. Beams and columns repeat themselves to form repetitive
structural bays and modules of space. Windows and doors repeatedly
puncture a building's surface to allow light, air, views, and people to
enter its interiors.
 Spaces often recur to accommodate similar or repetitive functional
requirements in the building program. This section discusses the patterns
of repetition that can be utilized to organize a series of recurring
elements, and the resultant visual rhythms these patterns create.
TWO KINDS OF RHYTHM

1. UNACCENTED
RHYTHM
2. ACCENTED RHYTHM
 UNACCENTED RHYTHM

 If equally spaced windows are introduced

on the unbroken wall, then regular
Minimalism: repitation is present
Minimalist architecture, as the
name suggests, focuses on
simplicity and minimal
ornamentation. Examples
include the works of architects
like John Pawson, where clean
lines, neutral colors, and
unadorned surfaces create a
sense of unaccented rhythm.

6
ACCENTED RHYTHM
 if the openings or details are arranged in such a manner that
some are more important than others, then the eye grasps the
significance of this relationship and pauses longer in
contemplating the larger elements.
Sagrada Família,
Barcelona, Spain:
Designed by architect
Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada
Família is known for its
distinctive façade with
multiple intricate and
unique sculptural elements.
These accent the overall
architectural rhythm of the
church's structure.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia: Designed by
Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House is renowned for its
series of shell-like roof structures. These sail-like forms
create a rhythmic and dynamic composition against the
backdrop of Sydney Harbor.
Rhythm may be one of the following :

a. Rhythmic use of color- movement of the eye across a painting

from spot to spot of similar color.
b. Rhythmic use of line-repetition of a similar type of line in a
piece of sculpture.
c. Rhythm of motion-the movement of dancers. d. Rhythm of
direction -continuity of a series of arches forming an arcade.
Rhythm
is ORGANIZED MOVEMENT.
It must be directed and controlled.
If unrelated noises occur, such as the din of the factory, there
is no organization and hence no rhythm.
If windows and doors are thrown into the facade of a building
in a haphazard manner, there is no scheme or sense to the
arrangement and again no rhythm.
THANK YOU