Rhythm Phenomenology in Architecture and Building Design

Abstract

Rhythm is one of the most essential means of coordination in architecture because it guarantees the orderly distribution of forms and spaces. Consequently, the research problem was: "The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the origins and applications of rhythm as a recognized phenomenon in architectural design." The research aims to "understand the phenomena of rhythm in the formation of architectural products and to identify their types and orientations. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology to clarify the phenomenon of rhythm in architecture by constructing a cognitive framework, followed by a comprehensive theoretical framework extracted from the architectural literature and embodied in its final form as three main terms: "Types of rhythm in architectural design, its determinants, and its trends. The study's most significant findings are that rhythm in architecture refers to the repetition of elements such as lines, shapes, and hues, which results in an organized movement through space and time. To accomplish rhythmic unity, the application results revealed that architects favored "rhythmic alternation, rhythmic gradation, and rhythmic contrast" over "monotonous and disorganized rhythm."