Architecture and Music: The Hidden Mathematics of Beauty
A bi-monthly six-part series exploring Villa La Rotonda and the Circle of Fifths
starting on February 25th 2026
What if I told you that...
A villa built in Vincenza, Italy in the 16th century by a Renaissance architect was designed using the same mathematical patterns that are central to jazz improvisation?
Walking through its rooms is like experiencing a chord progression?
The geometry hiding in its plan incorporates an interval that medieval musicians shunned, calling it ‘the devil in music’?
For centuries, architects and musicians have sensed a profound connection between their disciplines. The German writer Goethe called architecture ‘frozen music’ and music ‘liquid architecture.’
But what does this actually mean?
How do musical principles translate into physical space?
This six-part series reveals the hidden mathematics connecting music and architecture based on a step-by-step analysis of Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda — one of the most influential buildings in the history of architecture — and the circle of fifths, the fundamental harmonic structure underlying Western music.
What you’ll discover:
Through detailed analysis, piano demonstrations, and architectural drawings, you’ll learn:
How Palladio designed rooms with proportions derived from musical intervals
Why the circle of fifths is the key to understanding both music theory and Renaissance architecture
What it feels like to walk through spaces designed as a II-V-I chord progression
How the ‘devil’s interval’ creates hidden tension in Palladio’s harmonious plan
Why these 450-year-old principles still matter for creating beautiful spaces today
How to recognize and apply harmonic proportions in your own projects
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Who this series is for
1.
Architects and designers seeking to understand timeless principles of proportion and harmony
Musicians curious about how harmonic theory manifests in visual and spatial form
Architecture students studying Renaissance architecture and proportional systems
Design enthusiasts who want to understand why certain spaces feel ‘right’
Anyone fascinated by the intersection of mathematics, art, and beauty
2.
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3.
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4.
Enjoy!
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About the Author
Kenneth Beattie is a writer and translator specializing in architecture and construction. With a background in both architectural practice and musical study, he brings a unique perspective to understanding the mathematical and aesthetic connections between these disciplines. His work bridges technical precision with deep cultural and historical understanding.
Contact: ken@architectranslation.co.uk