Architecture has long captivated people with its pleasant aesthetics, inspiring curiosity to understand what lies beneath the physical structure.
At a much deeper level, architecture envelopes art which reinforces the definition of an environment. Where art meets architecture is when creative expression is used to create an emotional story within a building. It has the power to cultivate memories and hasten nostalgia. The focus on this alliance of art and architecture reveals a deeper and profound thread of design, emotive cues and long-lasting impact on the environment and people’s lives.
From the Roman arches to the Renaissance period, art has been intertwined with architecture for centuries. From brick and plaster to metal and stone, architects have been able to craft a distinct form of art through their design. The decorations and features on a building showcase the architect’s skills and artistry as they’re able to capture and illustrate the sentiments of a structure without the use of words.
Interior designer, Stephen Guadagni, believes that where art meets architecture allows a person to explore their own emotions and feelings. He suggests that a welcome addition to the use of art in architecture can be seen when paired with technology and light. He affirms “Light and art have a beautiful combination when used to evoke emotion.” In this way it’s possible to create magnified effects, as the two come together to shape atmosphere.
The use of art in architecture provides the opportunity to convey the power of design without limitations. It allows people to enrich spaces, making a statement while emphasizing an aesthetic that fits within the environment. By adding art to architecture, it’s possible to capture the essence of a place and portray it in diverse ways. It allows the story – or its mood – to be felt when a person experiences the building.
Architecture historian, Tom Doggett, claims that outdoor murals, sculptures, and other illustrations on the exterior of buildings are “one way to convey the history of a place and the people who lived there.” By exploring a range of shapes and patterns, artwork is able to bring a site to life, creating a greater sense of purpose.
The combination of art and architecture is certainly ancient, but it’s still used to build modern memories and inspire a new generation. It follows the same principles behind two dimensional drawings or sculpture, using form and pattern to communicate an idea and the overall concept of an environment.
Art Buildings
The nexus of art and architecture is seen in art buildings and how their silhouettes can create a sense of mystery or awe. Buildings like The Guggenheim Museum in New York or The Tate Modern in London are prime examples of iconic art buildings that mix the contemporary with the classic, making them stand out as unique reflections of their respective cities. By being situated in the center of a city, people are able to admire them and be ennobled by the creative collaboration of art, architecture, and design.
The combination of urban landscapes and art allows people to appreciate the history and culture of a place, to interact with their environment, and to truly understand the nature of the urban landscape. Often, it’s the large art houses that bring to life the city and its eclecticism. People connect with the structure on an emotional level, creating an undiscovered language.
By being able to capture and illuminate a space, art buildings break from the mundane and allude to a story and an idea. Like any masterpiece, it requires dedication, and the collaboration of artists, architects, and visionaries to create a powerful and lasting impression.
Public Spaces
Public spaces, further create a lively atmosphere, when art has been incorporated in their architecture. From public parks to plazas, when art is implemented it lends an extra dimension. Artists are able to be more creative and free with the architecture, allowing a unique balance between the built environment and art. The art house, is much like a canvas, where artists create an interesting and dynamic environment.
Through creative experiments, public spaces can become an open air museum. For instance, The Floom, Capo di Monte Square, in Naples, connects the public with their environment through the use of arcades, statues, and fountains. The impact of art gives a great deal of influence within the architecture, providing a timeless landscape for locals, tourists, and travelers.
In this sense, public art creates a moment of reflection and awe. By being able to witness different elements that are bigger than a traditional painting or sculpture, opining a new way of interpreting space. At its core, it allows people to connect with their environment on an emotional level, an access inside to their stories of the city.
Built Monuments
Built monuments are the powerhouses of where art meets architecture. They are reminders of a place’s history, able to capture the complexity of a city in its design. Monuments allow a reflection on the past but also can look forward to the future. As seen in The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana, Kazakhstan, this building stands out as a symbol of a new millennium. With a mix of traditional and modernist styles, artist and architect, Norman Foster, incorporates a unique idea of the environment and the future.
Modern monuments almost become living organisms in a way – growing, breathing, and ever changing. Symbols of strength show the importance of respecting the environment and being conscious of human rights and values. By being able to scale up the influence of art, built monuments bring an idea and feeling to life.
Exploring monuments through digital mediums can greatly extend their reach and attraction. As technology has allowed us to be more connected and curious, virtual curators are able to bring monuments to life. Virtual reality can bring art and architecture closer to the public, allowing a greater excitement and interaction with monuments.
Urban Interiors
The way art influences the interior of a building can be captivating and elegant. From galleries to museums and other venues, art can provide decoration or reflect an atmosphere. It can be used to reinforce the story that’s behind the building. For example, in the Broad Museum Los Angeles, the light and transparency of the exterior makes for a great contrast with the artwork which shines on the inside.
In this sense, art buildings open up the way we imagine interior design. By blending it with art, the interiors become galleries in their own right, fostering creative connection and exchange of ideas. In this way, art provides a perfect balance within interior design, between artists and architects.
Furthermore, public buildings can become symbols of hospitality by adding warmth and grace through color and texture. Art can be used to create an emotional story within a building, as it can trigger feelings and enliven a place. Thus, artwork can be seen as living sculptures, constantly evolving with each visit and experience.
Modern Perspective
The modern perspective of where art meets architecture, has allowed professionals to come together and bridge a wider gap. Architects, interior designers, and urban planners have combined their efforts to create sizable spaces, of beauty and curiosity. Giant screens, rotating galleries, and interactive installations, all contribute to the urban landscape combining the ancient past with the future.
By merging art with technology and architecture, a greater sense of emotion is felt. The attention to detail, from elevators to lights, provides a great level of craftsmanship and relaxation. Art provides a tool for expression and emotion, ultimately blending the world for a better understanding.
From the public clover in Madrid to the Pantheon of Buenos Aires, art provides a refreshing and unique approach to architecture that is able to stand the test of time. It allows humans to connect with their environment and admire the accomplishments of the collective ideas.
Projects
By combining project management and art, architects and interior designers can effectively create a memorable and lasting impression. At the heart of where art meets architecture lies a committed approach to project management and development.
By understanding a place and its needs, project managers are able to create a plan that takes into account the specifics of the site. This can range from sustainability factors to cost, approvals, and the overall aesthetics of the design.
By being able to assess the details and into account local history, stories, and culture, projects can be celebrated for the greater good. Despite its scale and size, art helps to bring people closer to an understanding of the environment, paving the way for collaboration and appreciation.
Moving Forward
In order to move forward and keep embracing where art meets architecture, it is essential to think outside the box and focus on the creative process. By being more creative and open to new opportunities, it’s possible to reverse the mundane and innovate in a way to offer a whole new perspective.
The future of art architecture provides a great chance to visualize an opportunity in a different way — one that is able to inspire and become part of a true legacy. By exploring shapes and textures, creating a psychological space that speaks of a story, and bringing emotion to an environment, where art meets architecturecan help us to unlock and discover priceless secrets.
