Sculpture And Architecture

Sculpture and architecture are two of the oldest and most respected forms of fine art. Sculpture and art have many similarities and are often intrinsically connected.

Sculpture and Architecture are two art terms that can often be confused in meaning and connotation. For example, some types of sculpture, such as relief sculpture, are built into buildings and thus often designed alongside the architectural design. So, where should you draw the line between architecture and sculpture? 

This article will explore the differences and similarities between sculpture and architecture to see what makes each art form unique.

Do sculptures count as architecture?

Sculptures and architecture are two different forms of artwork, however, they are closely related. Architecture is defined as the art of designing and constructing usable buildings. 

On the other hand, sculptures are defined as 3-D pieces of fine artwork that are used primarily as a medium of expression. While some forms of sculpture get incorporated into architectural designs, the two practices are unique.

Differences between sculpture and architecture 

There are many differences between architecture and sculpture. A sculpture is a type of three-dimensional work of fine art. On the other hand, architecture refers to the design, development, and construction of buildings. Let’s look at some of the other differences between the two:

Location: 

An architecturally designed building can be located anywhere and appreciated both inside and outside. It is fixed in its location and usually designed with that location in mind, unlike kit homes which can be replicated dozens of times. A sculpture is generally free-standing, can be displayed indoors or outdoors, and moved from one location to another. 

This allows sculptures to be exhibited worldwide and displayed at rotating galleries or museums. While many buildings with architectural beauty are undoubtedly works of art, they simply cannot be displayed in exhibitions.

Purpose:

A sculpture is a type of fine art whose only purpose is to exist. While architecture is often classified as fine art, it must also be practical. Architecture must first and foremost be functional as a building and meet a brief, whether that brief is for a family home, commercial building, public space, or other structure. While architecture certainly involves aesthetic appeal, it does not have the same creative freedoms as a sculpture.

Materials:

Sculptures can be made with almost any material. Traditionally they used wood, stone, or metals, but contemporary sculptures can use any object or material as long as they are manipulated with artistic creativity. On the other hand, an architecturally designed building must be constructed of structurally sound and safe materials, limiting the range of materials used.

Qualifications:

Anyone can be an artist, and if you have a unique vision and natural talent, you could be an outstanding artist. While many artists receive formal training, others are self-taught and go on to produce exceptional works of art. The creation of sculpture involves only creativity and imagination.

On the other hand, buildings must be safe for use and are therefore subject to rules and regulations. Thus architects must learn the rules of measurement, engineering, and engineering mathematics. In most countries, architects must have recognized qualifications or certifications before designing and building a structure. 

Value:

The value of a sculpture and a piece of architecture is another key difference. Both art forms can be excellent investments if protected and well maintained, but their values will change and fluctuate for very different reasons. For example, a building gains in value based on the value of land in the location in which it is built. Architectural designs fluctuate in price alongside the broader real estate market. 

Comparatively, the value of a sculpture depends on its artistic representation, its rarity, the reputation of the artist, current art trends, its age, and the message it conveys. However, in both cases, the fame of the artist or architect will always impact value. 

Similarities between sculpture and architecture:

Location: 

Some sculptures are woven into the design of an architectural building. This intertwining of architecture and sculpture is a common phenomenon in classical buildings. Buildings like the ancient Parthenon in Athens include two types of sculpture which are integral to the architectural design.

Relief Sculpture: The first is known as relief sculpture, a type of 2D sculpture that is built into the walls of a building. 

Sculptural Column: The second type of sculpture incorporated into architectural designs is a sculptural column. These sculptures play the role of a pillar or post and support a structure. The Parthenon caryatids are an excellent example of a sculptural column. 

The caryatids are sculpted female figures which serve as architectural support in the Parthenon design, taking the place of a standard column or a pillar. Despite being thousands of years old, these statues are unique in that they continue to blur the line between architecture and sculpture even to this day.

Purpose:

Both architecture and sculpture are popular forms of public artwork. Cities or governments are often commissioned for public spaces and free viewing. While some designs and sculptures can be in private collections, many others are designed with a public audience and space in mind.

Shape:

Both architectural designs and sculptures are three-dimensional. This sets them apart from many other forms of fine art, which are two-dimensional, such as painting, drawing, or photography. Like an architect, a sculpture must take some practical considerations when determining how a sculpture will be displayed and consider space, balance, and gravity, especially if it will be freestanding.

Conclusion

Sculpture and architecture will also be closely entwined and have many parallels; however, they are both unique forms of fine art in their own right.

To view or buy contemporary sculpture and other original artworks, visit an Eden Gallery location, or explore the artworks in our online art store and art collections.