• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.78-87
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• 2015

This study aims to grasp the vital rhythm of the Chapel at Ronchamp by analyzing its rhythm through Henri Lefebvre's 'rhythmanalysis' in an effort to show the possibility of approaching the presence of this chapel. For the purpose of this study, Lefebvre's thought of rhythmanalysis was first contemplated, and a case study analysis was conducted on the concept and presence of the chapel in the design process. On this basis, examples of the chapel's rhythms were analyzed through Lefebvre's dialectical analysis of the triad of time(melody), space(harmony) and energy(rhythm). The results of analysis are as follows: First, the concept intended by Le Corbusier in the process of designing the Chapel at Ronchamp is expressed as the acoustic form, the modulor corresponding to the scale of the music, the light and shadow of counterpoint, and the opposite composition of musical changes. Consequently, the concept-mediated presence of this chapel is the presence of music. Second, at the Chapel at Ronchamp, a Lefebvre's rhythmanalyst experiences, or rather senses, two vital rhythms of an antithetical unity (i.e., acoustic curved rhythm and modulor-generated linear rhythm), with reference to his/her own rhythms. These rhythms are a dialectical union of spatiality of melodies temporalized through continuity, (i.e., acoustic curved form and modulor-generated linear form), and temporality of harmonies spatialized through simultaneity (i.e., light and shadow, materials and color, form of interpenetration, and stairs or windows/doors). These rhythms carry the measures generated by music-specific repetitions and differences in movements(energy). Consequently, the rhythm-mediated presence of this chapel is also the presence of music. In conclusion, the Chapel of Ronchamp indicates that an approach toward its presence can be realized through vital rhythms derived from Lefebvre's 'rhythmanalysis'. This study holds significance as an analysis of spatial rhythm and presence, employing a philosophical thought.