The temple of Phaestum, in Italy (as seen in main image), is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built in 460 BC, it is according to the strict rules of proportion theory of the time, writes Ir. Nanette de Jong in her article Architecture is Frozen Music.
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The temple of Phaestum (b. 460 BC), Salerno, Italy.
ARCHITECTURE IS FROZEN MUSIC
Kopie van Hans Kayser, Nomos der Hohendifferenzierung, tempel van Phaestum, Italië. / Copy from Hans Kayser, Nomos der Hohendifferenzierung (Law of height differentiation), Phaestum Temple, Italy.
The relationship between architecture and music has been known since ancient times. The Roman architectural theorist, Vitruvius, already demanded in his Ten Books on Architecture that a master builder should have knowledge of music, among other things, in order to be able to understand mathematical laws and thus, nature. The feelings and emotions that architecture and music can evoke, are not only subjective, or dependent on taste. This also includes the subtle rules for balanced proportion. These are the “secret” rules of harmony and rhythm, which architects and composers alike, have used, to help create their respective masterpieces.
Experiencing harmony, and feeling rhythm, influences our senses. Like listening to a piece of music or experiencing a building for the first time.
Research has shown that most people find a rectangle with a 21:34 ratio the most comfortable to look at. This is the so-called Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio’s ratio is harmonious, as it establishes the relationship between the parts themselves, as well as the parts as a whole.
If the same ratio is translated into music, it too produces a fine sound. Namely a minor sext (the distance of six tones), with the interval of e.g. e c (vibration numbers 320-520), and has the proportion 5:8. We also find this ratio in the Fibonacci series.
The temple of Phaestum, in Italy (as seen in main image), is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built in 460 BC, it is according to the strict rules of proportion theory of the time. And, when translated into music, it is harmonious and pleasing to the ear.
For centuries, people have been searching for how all these ideal proportions can be captured in one mathematical formula for beauty. It has yet to be found!
But what is nice to look at is also nice to listen to!
Text: Ir. Nanette de Jong, Conservation Architect
Sources: A.J.M Frans van Vroonhoven: Maatregels, een overzicht van het gebruik van proportieregels door de eeuwen heen, 1977. Mathias Rolfs, Wie würde gebaute Musik aussehen?, 2001. By ArchiThrill: Architecture as frozen music, 2020.
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