Towards a poly-phon-ic environment

Abstract

This thesis explores an architectural/landscape environment where polyphonic metaphors are the means for exploration and investigation. Polyphonic, as described in musical definitions/ terms, is the style of composition in which two or more distinctly independent but organically related parts sound against one another. This combination produces associations within the piece that relate to various time lengths and musical instruments when particular musical motives, specifically melodic lines, play against one another. An interdependent relationship between the lines, a vertical association, is referred as harmony, while an interdependent relationship within the lines, a horizontal relationship, is referred as melody. The significance of this metaphorical association with architectural form is the opportunity to create an architectural vocabulary that is exemplified by its richness and diversity of spatial, material, and subconsciousness qualities that moves beyond music's time sequential nature. It is an attempt to provide an environment that exhibits polyphonic qualities in a space-time sequence. Inherent to achieve these qualities, several issues must be considered. This includes; territorial definition and exchange (privacies vs. public), materiality decisions, physical reciprocity, lighting intentions ... etc. The vehicle for these studies will be a chamber music facility programmed for both practice and performance. It is a place where chamber groups or individual performers have decisions to select a place appropriate for their "style" of performance beyond the traditional enclosed concert hall.