Art and architecture have had a close relationship throughout history. Both share a blurred and faded separation line between them, with architecture being recognized as the most sophisticated form of art, making it a part of art itself. They both adhere to the same principles and organizational aesthetics.

Art and architecture complement each other, sharing much common ground that intertwines the relationship between them. Read on until the end of the post to gain a deeper understanding of this connection.

First, let’s define what we mean by the term “Art” because it’s crucial, encompassing painting, sculpting, singing, dancing, architecture, and writing—all creative fields considered art forms. These art forms are interdependent, inspiring each other. In this post, we refer to painting as our focus on art.

Art is a visual creative expression, embodying the artist’s ideas and imagination through abstraction and figurative representation, emphasizing beauty and aesthetics over practicality. Thus, the artist’s imagination in art is boundless, free from constraints of construction and practicality.

On the other hand, architecture is also a form of creative expression, manifesting as a built environment, three-dimensional and offering both visual and tangible expressions. A significant difference between art and architecture lies in practicality or buildability. While architects have freedom of imagination, they must ultimately consider the construction and buildability of their visions. Unlike art, where viewers observe from the outside, architecture invites viewers to enter and experience it, enhancing its interactive nature.

All art forms are interdependent and mutually inspiring, with art playing a vital role in architecture by aiding architects in generating concepts and ideas. Architecture considers both the physical and psychological aspects of humans, with art facilitating communication with the latter.

Art forms the core principle behind good architecture, enabling architects to create harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environments. Artistic value is a criterion for defining good architecture, often attracting and surprising people with its artistic quality.

As with all art forms, architecture is heavily influenced by society, often serving as a bridge between society and itself. By analyzing art (painting), we can observe societal changes, innovations, and thought processes reflected first in art and gradually adopted in architecture.

Art can be incorporated into architecture in two ways: adding artistic elements afterward or adopting an integrated approach where architecture itself becomes art. In the integrated approach, the building form serves as a sculpture, with functions and spaces carefully crafted around it. For this type of integration, consideration of art must begin in the early stages of the design process.

Art and architecture are deeply connected; one cannot conceive architecture without art. Art serves as the fundamental unit of architecture, evolving into architecture over time. To properly decode and explain architecture, one must understand its artistic aspect. To elevate and enhance architecture, one must engage with its primary unit—art.