Culture and aesthetics - art in building as an expression of our time

Art in building is an aesthetic expression that reminds us of the variety of human culture. It is a lively and dynamic element that helps to enrich and inspire public space . In this article we will look at how art in building can help us express our cultural identities and what role it plays in our modern society.

Culture and aesthetics

Culture and aesthetics are closely linked and play an important role in art in building. Culture encompasses the entirety of intellectual and material forms of life of a society, while aesthetics are teaching of beauty and taste. Art of building as an expression of our time reflects not only the cultural, but also the aesthetic values ​​and norms.

However, the definition of culture and aesthetics is not static, but is subject to constant change and development over time. The art of building has to adapt and reinterpret again and again in order to meet the current cultural and aesthetic requirements.

Social and political developments also play an important role here. Works of art in public space can also be understood as an expression of social and political changes. Overall, it can be said that culture and aesthetics are inextricably linked.

What is art in public space?

"Art in public space" - also referred to as "art on construction" or "public art" - describes the artistic design of the urban space and is an important phenomenon of art development in recent decades. The aim is to encourage public discussion by giving artistic impulses in certain locations that stimulate the city's users to deal with questions of urban development.

Due to its long -lasting effect, which goes beyond temporary installations, “art in public space” can contribute to the change in perspectives and the development of collective and cultural memory.

Art projects that deliberately locate in everyday social life can take place in the urban exterior as well as in buildings and associated facilities. In both fields of work, art acts as a "brightener", disturbance, note and comment in the functional structure of urban life.

The task is to make artistic demands in public public areas . The difference between "art on construction" and "art in public space" lies in its spatial connection and financability. While "Art on Bau" is attached to a specific building and its functions and is financed from the construction budget via the "Guideline K7", "art in public space" is looking for the forums of public spaces. In the database of the artists' association of the federal states, both fields of work were summarized under the generic term "Art in Public Space" in order to meet their social approach.

Guidelines for the participation of visual artists in the federal and state governments (as of March 2020) can be found at the BBK Federal Association .

A small historical excursion to create

The 19th century debates paved the way for the topics of modernity and began to displace art from public life. By referring to the “antiquity” and the Middle Ages, they led to a development that converted the urban area into a newly busy stage for art and staged through architectural sculptures , wall paintings and monuments .

The creation of funds for the implementation of "monumental images" reflected a growing national awareness and at the same time resulted from the socially motivated endeavor to enable artists to make an income and public orders. In addition to discussions about the socio -political importance of the arts and a qualitative upgrading of the cities, the social problem of artist existence contributed to the initiative, which was considered a metaphor for the homeless modern man.

In the Weimar Republic, was sought for special “art in building” measures to revive and re-life a centuries-old hegemony of architecture as the mother of all arts and a symbiotic “architecture”.

This requirement was expressly requested by artist associations due to the increasing impoverishment of artists and an increased social orientation of art after World War II and ideologically exploited under the Nazis. After the war, the German Bundestag decided to transfer this "art in building" programs to legislation for the purpose of reconstruction and to promote fine art and to raise part of the construction sum of public buildings for the implementation of art.

This 1-proceeding, later increased to 2 percent and known as the "guideline K7" , was also used in the GDR. From the 1960s, the institutional -critical advances of progressive Western artists were declared a rejection of the autonomy of art in the direction of a newly achieved connection between art and life in public spaces.

LandArt campaigns , environment and installative work as well as local and conceptual projects outside of the art institutions won space. The city -state of Bremen is considered a pioneer to have initiated the financing of "Art in Public Space" in 1974 by the abolition of the forced binding of the "guideline K7" to new construction projects.

Art in building as an expression of our time

Art in construction combines architecture, craft and art into a harmonious total work of art. The art of building is not only an aesthetic element, but also fulfills a function. It can structure the space, influence the atmosphere and inspire the viewer. In today's world, art in building is more diverse and experimental than ever before.

Artists use modern technologies and materials to implement their ideas and create new forms. It is not just about the beauty of the object, but also about its meaningfulness and meaning. An analysis of art in building can tell us a lot about our society and its values. She can show us how we see ourselves and how we position ourselves in the world.

But it can also awareness of the environment and the social challenges of our time .

The current view of public clients to use "art in public space" as a tool to adopt urban undesirable developments is just as discrediting as the underestimation of "art on the construction" projects as a pure decoration and in the service of architecture. Rather, the artistic approach should aim to generate strict friction points with visual means and to take up discussions in a variety of ways that address the public habitat.

The special perception and examination of public art projects through a broad section of the population shows that art is able to make public urban space in a unique way and to be activating for urban discussions. It is important to use this potential constructively.

Based on the regionally different cooperation between urban managers, builders and artists, it should be about understanding projects in the outside area and outside of museum presentations as opportunities for a specific social connection to urban situations and as impulses for thinking processes.

Today, art can increasingly rediscover its requested socio -political function by giving impulses for changes in the heads of the city users. This function only has an alibic character in the gallery room.

Meaning of aesthetic experience in the design of buildings

The design of buildings is an art form that surrounds us every day. But how important is aesthetic experience in the design of buildings really? The answer is simple - it is of crucial importance. Aesthetics is a fundamental part of architecture and influences our perception and feeling of rooms. Architects use materials such as glass, steel and concrete to create modern and contemporary buildings. At the same time, traditional architectural styles and materials are taken up and reinterpreted.

A building can not only be functional, it must also be aesthetically appealing in order to have a positive effect on the viewer. The aesthetic experience can inspire us, calm us down or even inspire us. The architecture can transport us into another world and put us in another time.

Cultural implications

The cultural implications of art in building are diverse and range from the representation of history and tradition to promoting innovation and creativity . It can also help strengthen the identity of a place and combine the community.

But art in building is not only an aesthetic aspect, but also a political one. They show us who we are and who we want to be.

Effects on architects and real estate developers

Art in construction also has some noteworthy implications for real estate developers and architects. The market value increase of real estate due to art at construction is sometimes considerable.

It has long been known that art and real estate values ​​are closely linked . When real estate projects integrate works of art into their buildings - be it in public space or inside - their value increases on the market and with investors. According to Forbes, art in building is a secret weapon in real estate marketing.

Real estate developers of all size-from high-end luxury to medium-sized and smaller projects-can hire artists to integrate works of art into their buildings. This not only increases the financial value of the property, but also enhances the neighborhood.

The artistic possibilities for real estate managers and development companies are diverse. You can commission small or medium -sized sculptures for interiors such as lobbies, elevators and corridors. Large public art installations and street art wall pictures are also possible, which offer the local community a great atmosphere and interesting sights.

Kunstaffine Real estate searchers in northern Germany can contact a real estate agent from Hamburg , Bremen or Berlin to find such objects with integrated art. In southern Germany you will find what you are looking for in the large metropolises of Munich, Stuttgart and Freiburg.

Incidentally, the detailed written documentation of the 14th workshop discussion of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety from February 2015 provides an extremely interesting reading on the subject of “art on the building and real estate industry”.

Function of the work of art in the urban environment

In public space there are art projects and images that are summarized under the term "art in public space". This term has its origin in the history of artistic practice in urban space and the discussions about it. As early as the 19th century, the loss of a self -evident involvement of art into social life was complained about.

The “art in public space” sees itself as an enlightening function that aims to overcome the estrangement of the city dwellers from urban life and the artistic environment. She assumes that art has been displaced in urban space and in the consciousness of the residents and that it is necessary to restore this connection. In this sense, “Art in Public Space” is an identification option to face the loss of a self -evident connection between art and city life.

Works of art in the urban environment create a space for dialogue and discussion and can take up and reflect on social and political issues. It can have a positive effect on the psyche and promote a feeling of community and cohesion. Works of art can also serve as orientation points and thus facilitate navigation in the city.

Overall, art in building can be seen as an expression of our time, which reflects the cultural identity of a city and at the same time makes an important contribution to improving the quality of life of its citizens.

How does art affect construction of our perception of cities?

Art in building is an important part of our urban landscape and significantly influences our perception of cities.

First of all, she can contribute to our surroundings more consciously. By integrating works of art into architecture, we become more attentive and curious, which can cause us to take a closer look at our surroundings.

Especially in public spaces, works of art can help us feel more comfortable and relaxed because they have a positive and calming effect on us.

Guideline for art in building more cooperation between builders, architects and artists

It is of great importance to promote cooperation between builders, architects and artists. The “Guide Art on the Construction” of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Construction and Urban Development can serve as a practical framework that can also be used in other public and private construction projects.

the guidelines in the construction of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building in the field of the Bundesbau specialist information.

A manual was developed as part of the “Art and Building” , which was initiated by the Saxon Künstlerbund EV and organized in cooperation with the Saxony Chamber of Architects. The aim of this manual is to offer comprehensive information on the preparation, practical implementation and execution of art on the construction projects and thus promote joint activities.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/