3.3. Integrating Rhythm

This section discusses rhythm as a source for collaboration in ‘communities of systems and people’. ‘Communities of systems and people’ produce rhythms that can be observed and therefore can be designed as well. Because rhythm is like a heartbeat, because it somehow generates energy and engagement ‘for free’, because it has the capacity to relate complex things to simple things, it is a very powerful tool to make participation in ‘communities of systems and people’ at least a pleasurable experience. Rhythm also contributes to enduring duration and to make synchronization happen. Most important seems to be that designing rhythm can create the centre where sense emerges [19]. Such a centre for sense making emerges in the in-between spaces that a robust structure like rhythm provides. Such a centre is necessary for any community to exist.

Physical environments can be analyzed by focusing on the rhythms they produce. Buildings have rhythms of use, so do streets and cities [20]. Architecture and music are very close and some people are more sensitive to musical rhythms and others more to visual rhythms. Both are compositions to which human beings can be sensitive. Rhythm is like a heartbeat [21].

A robust structure in time, which rhythm provides, is necessary to provide in-between spaces in which experience can emerge [22]. By providing robust structures in the in-between spaces of time chaos, as a source for creative experience and emergence of meaning, becomes productive. The not pre-determinant nature of these spaces is exactly why they generate creativity and experience, which is how meaning evolves. Not determining what happens next is part of the essence of having agency.

Frances Brazier , CN