ArchiLectures | Mikel van Gelderen

Analogies in Autonomy: rhythm and composition

By comparing images with music or visual to auditory parameters it is clear: there is the coupling of dimensions to duration, illumination to sound volume and gradations in colour to pitch, all of which can be re-expressed in terms of vibrations with certain frequencies.
One might wonder if these equations are also applicable to the design process. Is it possible to compare a piece of music or a painting with architecture and what does it mean in the sense of the autonomy of architecture? In music of the Romanian-Hungarian composer György Ligeti (1923-2006) we find patterns where rhythm and composition converge. What can architects learn from musical compositions. Mikel van Gelderen will reflect on his work and will make comparisons with other disciplines.

Mikel van Gelderen studied painting at the Royal Academy of Art and Design in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and subsequently architecture at the Delft University of Technology, where he obtained his (MSc) master degree in 1994.
Since 1990 Van Gelderen collaborates with architect Jurjen Zeinstra when both were working as editors for OASE Journal for Architecture. After winning the Europan competition with their entry ‘High Density, Open Space’ (1996, together with Ira Koers) this cooperation has become solid and resulted in the design and realisation of many projects. The oeuvre of Zeinstra van Gelderen Architects includes various large buildings, such as the Collective House Amsterdam; Blok 5 IJburg Amsterdam; IJdock apartment building and office of the Waterpolice Amsterdam. Apart from these they have worked on experimental projects in which themes such as flexible use and changeability were researched, including the Tumble House, the Rubber House, and various urban projects across the Netherlands. Apart from his architectural work Van Gelderen has worked on various scenography designs and visual art. Currently he and Zeinstra work on an art project for public space in the municipality of Ede. In the Spring of 2017 a book on the oeuvre of Zeinstra van Gelderen Architects will be published by Architectura & Natura Amsterdam.

Mikel van Gelderen lectures at Delft University of Technology, Design Academy Eindhoven and currently at Politechnico Milan.

University:
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment