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Art Through Architecture
Words Barbara Akinkunmi
Art is the visual expression of human creative skill and imagination, says Construction Editor Barbara Akinkunmi.
The typical forms we’re all used to are paintings or sculptures, however architecture is also an avenue to express creative art through building design. Architects use their skill to create homes and buildings that meet the user’s needs, whilst creating facades beyond the norm. Over the years, architecture has evolved into a new and creative form of expression with no limits. More and more architects are becoming daring enough to create buildings that push the generic societal expectations of a house or a building. It’s only right that we showcase a few buildings designed by women which express art and creativity in a new way.
Museum Garage by Amale Andraos
Location: Miami
I had to start with this building as it’s expression of art is very unique. Alongside car parking spaces, the building has been designed to also accommodate a gallery for graffiti art, a children’s play area, a garden, a DJ platform, a lending library, a listening lounge, a fountain, a bar, and a space for pets. The building also has 5 different façade designs which all come together to create a masterpiece.
The Fun House by Jane Macrae
Location: Australia
Inspiration for Art can come from anywhere and this is proven through this colourful family home. The house was literally inspired by a song called “The Fun House” and this is reflected through its colourful and geometric elements. The pops of colour are also visible within the houses in places such as the bathroom which has bright yellow tiles, keeping the space vibrant!
Football Stadium Arena by Špela Videčnik
Location: Belarus
Špela used the restriction of trees as a starting point for her creativity with this stadium. She had to ensure that as few trees as possible were cut down in order to make way for this building and this has been achieved successfully and creatively. The design intention for this building was to recreate the appearance of fabric stretched over bones. This is visibly shown through it’s shimmering aluminium panels and its punctured blob-shaped windows.
Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
This one is my favourite due to its fluid design which reflects the religion of the country. In historic Islam architecture, most buildings establish seamless relationships between architectural elements and the ground they inhabit. It’s safe to say that this building reflects this through Zaha’s modernistic design interpretation.
Kangaroo Valley Outhouse by Madeleine Blanchfield
Location: Australia
Madeleine was tasked with designing an outhouse that created minimal impact on its surrounding landscape, while providing the sense of being immersed in nature. This was evidently achieved through this reflective cube which blurs out the separation between architecture and site. The cube is wrapped in reflective glass which causes it to reflect the surrounding landscape so that only the slight outline of the structure is visible.
Architecture communicates art in a unique way and also enables creative ideas to be brought to life. This new form of art breaks the limitations that we once knew and creates a new avenue of expression for many budding architects.