Sound and Architecture – Mutual Influence

Abstract

Sound exists in architecture and architecture exists in sound. The process of how the two have influenced each other can be observed throughout history and has brought us the most surprising outcomes. The article presents research results on the interconnection of sound and space, in the aspect of their intertwining influence in introducing physical changes in interiors and transformations in music. The objective was to present and scientifically describe a process in which both buildings and sound effect each other, inspiring new solutions, forming innovative structures and becoming both factors and subjects of their constant interaction. This correlation was investigated within a broad timeframe of European history, from the distant past – ancient Greece and Rome – to the recent future – a “vineyard” configuration of Berlin Philharmonic Hall. Several research methods were used, ranging from case and literature studies aimed at data gathering, to comparative and graphical analysis, discussion, and finally, the synthesis and critical analysis in the concluding part.A great example of the discussed phenomenon is the development of religious chant resulting from a long reverberation time in sacral buildings, creation of the polychoral technique connected to the architectural arraignment of St Mark's Church in Venice or the popularization of the “shoebox” configuration for music halls, as a consequence of wooden structural system's limitations. Let us have a closer look at the process of mutual influences between architectural space and inner sound.