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When taking a closer look at the relationship between music and the theater in which it is played, the composer becomes a pivotal link between the two that provides some intriguing insight into ways that architecture shapes its occupants.

As architects, we like to think that we shape architecture — but as most of us know it also shapes us. The relationship between adaptation and environment often works both ways, and for this reason, I encourage you to watch the following video where David Byrne will take you through the evolution of music, and the strong role theaters and other “venues” play, as the space “surrounding” a performance actually becomes its extension.

In particular, look for his juxtaposition between the way music has developed to fit particular venues of its time, and how birds from different regions and geographic environments actually evolve to develop different bird calls. As you will soon learn by watching the video below, David Byrne paints a picture of not only why architecture is significant in uplifting the lives of its occupants through sound, but also will get you thinking about ways you can enhance your architecture by knowing full well that you are creating a context that your occupants will need to inadvertently fit into, as much as it will need to fit them.

Here is the video entitled How Architecture Helped Music Evolve: Read more

Can Music Increase Your Potential?

What role does music play in your work as an architect? Do you listen to it while you design? Or do you incorporate it into your architectural designs, for your occupants?

In an article recently published by The Boston Globe, Carolyn Y. Johnson writes about a surgeon who listens to music while he operates. Also, he is conducting various studies to really understand what effect music has on both doctors and patients. In addition to improving the results of surgery, he thinks music might also be used for other types of medical treatments. (1)

For example, while listening to Mozart, patients needed less sedation, had “reduced stress hormone levels and had lower blood pressure(s) and heart rate(s)” than those that heard nothing. Similarly, Mozart proved to be quite a success when measuring the performance of surgeons. Their accuracy was notably improved. (1)

Architects Take “Note”

This type of research will provide great information for architects to utilize for their work. Both in architectural offices and within architectural schools, you will most likely find Read more

Strategically placed hydraulophones are one way to get your occupants interacting with your design — and with each other.

Often, architecture can resemble a musical instrument. When designed well, both are beautiful, fun to experience and a treat for the senses. The following is an example that shows how a natural element, like water, can be used to change the behavior of people Read more