Is Architecture Art?

Do you think of architecture as art? If so, what makes architecture artistic? In asking this question, we need to consider the work and words of some of the most influential and creative architects. Although it’s hard to choose from the works and words of many amazing artistic architects, we’re going to highlight some of our very favorites that represent architecture as art.

We believe that architecture is occupiable art. But architecture is an art that you immerse yourself in and you move through it. You experience the space, the light, the texture, and more.

Most art, such as paintings, sculpture, and photography, is experienced through observation. However, some art crosses the boundary into architecture and we could argue that the work of Meow Wolf fits into this category. Meow Wolf describes their work as “Unique & immersive art installations with multimedia elements & a mysterious narrative throughout.”

We think that there’s no better way to see architecture as art than by exploring some of the more inspiring and artistic examples of architecture. Some architecture is arguably more artistic than others. And some building types seem to lend themselves to more artistic treatment. For example, museums, monuments, and private homes may fall into this group.

Santiago Calatrava has reflected on architecture is an art and has arguably achieved tremendous success in his beautiful work. We are fortunate to live near one of his stunning works, The Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Kicking off its 20^th anniversary year, the artistic structure is beloved and is often referred to as “the Calatrava.” As museum members, we have the joy of encountering this lakefront museum on a regular basis and we highly recommend the experience.

Here are some quotes from the architect:

“The architect is not only the director, but he is the composer. And, as a composer, the architect brings a sense of creativity to each building.” – Santiago Calatrava

“I have tried to get close to the frontier between architecture and sculpture and to understand architecture as an art.” – Santiago Calatrava

“For me, architecture is an art the same as painting is an art or sculpture is an art. Yet, architecture moves a step beyond painting and sculpture because it is more than using materials. Architecture responds to functional outputs and environmental factors. Yet, fundamentally, it is important for me to stress the art in architecture to bring harmony.” – Santiago Calatrava

We also enjoy the artistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi, Frank Gehry, and Le Corbusier. Sharing a few more of our favorite reflections on architecture as art, from wonderful architects who certainly know what they’re talking about:

Julia Morgan

“Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” – Julia Morgan

Julia Morgan, the most prolific architect of the 20^th century, is best known for her design of Hearst Castle, a California state monument. Learn more about Julia Morgan’s work here.

 

Luis Barragan

“Architecture is an art when one consciously or unconsciously creates aesthetic emotion in the atmosphere and when this environment produces

well-being.” – Luis Barragan

Luis Barragan grew up in a Mexican village and his designs poetically reflect the Mexican spirit. His work is an idealized version of what he saw and remembered, much as Van Gogh painted a vision of an ideal world. He said, “I have no photographs, only the memories.” See his work here.

Zaha Hadid

“Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space … On the one hand, it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure.” – Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was an architecture professor and practitioner known for her inventive designs in concrete, steel, and glass. Learn more about Zaha Hadid’s work here.

Maya Lin

“I try to give people a different way of looking at their surroundings. That’s art to me.” – Maya Lin

Maya Lin achieved national recognition for her design of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial, while an undergraduate student at Yale. Learn more about her work here.

Frank Lloyd Wright

 

Frank Lloyd Wright, the most famous American architect, needs no introduction but you can learn more about his work here.

There is no better way to see architecture as art than by exploring some of the more inspiring and artistic examples of architecture. Seek out these architects, their writings, and their architecture, and decide for yourself if architecture is art.