Architecture and the Display of Art: Finding a Balance
For centuries, artists and architects alike have debated whether architecture truly is an art form. The ongoing debate has created unnecessary conflict between the two disciplines. We believe this discord is unnecessary because architecture and the display of art don't have to skirmish: it is possible to find a balance that enhances both preoccupations within the same space.
When our firm designs a new home in Park City, Sundance, or Deer Valley, Utah, we aren't necessarily thinking about what type of artwork the homeowner will display when the project is complete. And yet, we are cognizant of the fact that the homeowner is likely to choose artwork that complements the home.
An architectural focus on modern design would naturally lead to interior designers emphasizing modern art. Despite the ongoing discussion between artists and architects, it is the natural desire of the human mind and eye to complement rather than contrast. As such, art and architecture organically line up more often than not.
A FORM OF EXPRESSION
Though there are no hard and fast definitions of art, most of those we have examined consider art to be a form of personal expression. Such expressions can be realized through a variety of media including (but certainly not limited to) painting, photography, and sculpture. Music, acting, and performance are also considered art because of their expressive nature. What about architecture?
Many of the world's best architects would consider their work a form of creative expression. The fact that architects also have to consider engineering and physics doesn't detract from that belief. On the other hand, the art world is correct when in saying that architecture is can also be an expression of ego resulting in buildings being designed without deference to any particular context.
If you consult the great architectural periods throughout history, you may discover that both architecture and artwork tend to complement one another. Take the classical architecture of the Greek and Roman eras, which is well known for its space and scale. Expansive spaces supported by large structural grids are a staple of the classical era.
Note that the art of the day was quite similar to the buildings. It was big, bold, and captivating. Sculptures were especially impressive, equaling the height and overall size of the buildings that housed them – at least proportionally.
ARCHITECTURE IS DISPLAY SPACE
A study of both ancient architecture and art reveals that well-designed architecture is often a display space for the art within. The large wall of a modern great room becomes a gallery for the homeowner's collection. The entire great room extends the display area with freestanding works of art, including sculpture.
Consider that no one lives in a void. We fill our houses with possessions. To a certain extent, every possession that comes into our home contributes to the overall aesthetic – from furnishings to utilitarian objects and works of art.
If architects have role in the display of art, it is to design spaces for art that is scaled and illuminated appropriately. It is also to design spaces that allow occupants to express themselves through their artwork. It is to design their spaces to be both functionally livable and capable of serving as a gallery.
At Sparano + Mooney Architecture, we don't only consider ourselves designers of art galleries (we have plenty of experience designing museums and other arts and culture projects!). We also design modern homes that express the individual personalities of their owners and accommodate their collections. Every client we work with will eventually fill that new space with meaningful works of art. Our designs are intended to facilitate such displays of art in a cohesive rather than competing manner.