Sound Space

If you see it in isolation,its just another non-living entity you kick around,throw at will and sometimes,in extreme cases,use as a weapon.

Written by Jaskiran Kapoor
October 5, 2009 05:16 AM IST

3 min read

If you see it in isolation,its just another non-living entity you kick around,throw at will and sometimes,in extreme cases,use as a weapon. But when bricks are put together,cemented and layered,they create a harmony,a space which if designed with mathematical precision,almost sings to you, architect Surinder Bahga makes a few notes during the symposium on Architecture and Music held at the Government Museum and Art Gallery. Organised by First Friday Forum,the symposium saw distinguished architect Shiv Datt Sharma as the chief guest while former principal Chandigarh College of Architecture,Dr SS Bhatti,brought out fundamental affinities of architecture and music. From poetry architecture to painting to dance and drama,the presence of music is palapble in all forms of art,be it literary,visual or performing. Music,at its sublimest is mystical,and its unique vibrations can uplift the soul, Dr Bhatti eleborated how when deep and sustained listening becomes interiorised,music is transformed into meditation. A similar effect is produced in architecture,which impels the eye to hear the music of proportions,and the viewer is transformed into a magnificent artist in the field of building design!

For Bahga,the blueprint is like a prelude. There are buildings which have a repelling look about them…its because there is no harmony or rhythm to it,no precision,hence look totally out of tune. While,there are some which have the power to make music,to make you sing the minute you step into them,thats because theres a theme to it.

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As Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma turned the pages of history,she brought out music performances in ancient India vis-a- vis the Indian architecture. From Vedic literature,we find references of performance of music in open ground. Yajna Vedis were platforms for performance in the Vedic period,and these Vedis were made according to special measurements and different designs, Dr Sharma gave a rare architectural insight with the help of Natya Shastra into state design,suitable for music,performance in terms of its definitions,types,measurements,material and light and sound arrangements.

Music and architecture are both depiction and symbols of creativity,they both need a strong foundation to deliver the best,both have a high magnitude of performance and both have an element of rhythm, pointed singer Dolly Guleria.

In the meantime,seven professionals were presented First Friday Forum Awards for Creative Excellence: architects RR Handa,Balvinder Saini and Surinder Bahga,Shobha Koser for kathak,Pandit Yashpaul in Hindustani vocal music,NS Rattan in Punjabi literature and SD Sharma in art and cultural journalism. A certifice of commendation was awarded to Angadbir Singh of Vivek High School for his essay on Architecture and Music.