Rhythm

There are many types of rhythm when we talk about architectural constructions. First, there's the repetition of shapes: such as windows, doors, columns, wall areas, arches. Second, there is the repetition of dimensions, such as the dimensions between supports or those of bay spacing. In the repetitions of shapes, spacing can vary without destroying rhythmical character. In the repetition of dimensions, the units may vary in size or shape and rhythm will still remain. A third type of rhythm is based on the repetition of differences, which is the most complex of the types. In this rhythmical series, the ascending and descending progressions are built up from small to large and to small again. But when the large is in the center, you experience a sense of swelling to an important element and diminishing to a small one progressing from a quiet beginning to a climax and then relaxing again. There is another type of rhythm of great importance in architecture: the rhythm of lines. Such rhythms can be merely systematic variations of linear lengths or curvatures. A mere repetition of similar units equally spaced and without a defined beginning or a defined end is called an open rhythm. A perfect example of rhythmical of forms is the spiral, because of its combination of repeated curves around a focus and the continual progressive change in the radius of the curvature. The fact that the spiral finally winds around to a point of minimum curvature gives it a powerful close. Of more importance to the architect are the larger rhythms of interior spaces. In complex buildings, the changing and progressive rhythm of shapes, with alternations of open and closed, big and little, wide and narrow, create an ordered variety of effect which contribute to the power of great and monumental structures. Forms which in plan are rhythmically related necessarily create a sense of motion and a sense of direction. Rhythmical relationships arise simply and naturally from constructive and functional necessities: controlled and orchestrated by the creative imagination, they become one of the chief elements in architectural beauty.



This picture describes one of the various types of rhythm, the repetition of shapes, those ones comming out from the center are repitetly put togheter in different sizes so the rhythm continues

We can see in this picture how the repetition of dimensions, which is another type of rhythm, or just the space between the shapes creates a balanced rhythm for this fence



The repetition of differences which is the most complex one of the types of rhythm is shown in this picture, it is hard to understand just reading about it but as we can see here, the nature of the trees even though different, it's rhythmical.



This picture represent the last one of the types of rhythm: the rhythm of lines, super important in architecture. A mere repetition of similar units equally spaced and without a defined beginning or a defined end is called an open rhythm, just like this car.

Check out my voicethread too on rhythm!!! [|rhythm]