Methodology

 

My approach to this analysis combines both organic and analytical elements which in fact mirror the subjects themselves in that they are both creative and technical. You could argue that this is a perfect reflection of the interior architecture process and the industry itself.

 

The organic research approach starts with an open-minded view of what the subject matter of this research and analysis would be, and allows the loose direction of research into the subject of interest and to then develop it and explore all aspects. This is explained in further detail in the Research > Initial Thoughts[1] section of this blog and you will see that through this research I decide to further investigate the relationship between Music and Architecture and specifically the question “Does Music Shape Architecture and Vice Versa”.

 

As this became clear I built on the research by carrying carried out secondary, both “hybrid” and primary research into specific elements related to it. The secondary research included reading and investigation into existing materials; books, web sites, other academic papers etc. The “hybrid” research draws upon my own experiences, visits to museums and architecturally significant buildings and locations. My primary research consists of case studies where I carry out more detailed research via visits to music related buildings and interviews with those that work within them in some form of music production capacity. This is explained further in the Case Studies section of my blog.

 

Each element has been researched and then analysed within a framework which I felt was required to distil the research and to therefore assist in drawing conclusions. It is at this stage that the organic approach becomes somewhat more mechanical or technical. The research elements are:

 

• Initial Thoughts

• Light and Architecture

• Music Buildings

• Music

• People

• Rhythm

 

My framework is described in the following diagram and was designed to consider the factors that had some influence, the direction of influence which one over ruled (Music on Architecture or vice versa), the strength of influence (High, medium or Low). 

 

This diagrammatic framework is used throughout my analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] This format “Research > Initial Thoughts“ is used to explain the navigation of my blog site. In this example “Research” is the top level menu item and “Initial Thoughts” is the second level menu item.