Rhythm as Energy in Space and Time: Engaging Rhythmanalysis with Climate Change and Urban Mobility Transitions

Abstract

In rhythmanalysis, energy is positioned centre stage in defining what rhythm is and how it manifests: everywhere where there is interaction between a place, a time and an expenditure of energy there is rhythm (Lefebvre, 1992/2004, p. 15). However, there is no further explication and little engagement in subsequent scholarship. I discuss this absence and propose a thermodynamic, materialist understanding of the energy in rhythm, linking to Lefebvre's interest in physics-thinking, and to his and Régulier's commitment to a multi-disciplinary rhythmanalytic project. I consider the polyrhythmic interweaving of energy flows in everyday life and the relationship between the techno-energy of energy systems, and the ‘natural’ energetic exchanges of planetary movements, ecological processes and organism functioning, including human bodies. I outline how an energetically oriented, multi-disciplinary rhythmanalysis can be applied to the climate crisis, to its arrhythmic consequences as well as to its making and mitigation in the rhythms of society and economy. I then focus on the rhythm energies of urban life and the challenges of transitioning urban mobility away from the domination of hydrocarbon-powered automobility systems. The polyrhythmic structure of urban automobility is characterised, encompassing rhythms of fuel supply, fuelling, vehicle movement and pollution generation. The rhythm-energetic shifts involved in moving to shared public transport, electric rather than hydrocarbon powered vehicles and to the corporeal, calorie-fuelled rhythms of walking and cycling are laid out, considering what they change, what they retain and what they add to the polyrhythmia of urban mobility.

Citation

Walker, G. (2021), "Rhythm as Energy in Space and Time: Engaging Rhythmanalysis with Climate Change and Urban Mobility Transitions", Lyon, D. (Ed.) Rhythmanalysis (Research in Urban Sociology, Vol. 17), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 89-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1047-004220210000017010