From the Louvre in Paris to Hong Kong's M+, finding the art in architecture

South China Morning Post

11 hours ago

There is no doubt that
architecture is a creative discipline . Once you factor in the technical aspects crucial to the process, it is even more impressive that art and engineering can come together for a visual spectacle with a civic purpose. Throughout history, there is no shortage of such examples, whether it is the buildings by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona or modern landmarks such as
Hong Kong's very own M+ museum by Herzog & de Meuron. Hence, there is no reason we can't appreciate architectural landmarks the same way we would a work of art.
Frank Leung, founder of Hong Kong architectural firm Via. Photo: Handout
Frank Leung, founder and principal of Hong Kong architectural firm Via and designer of the
ArtisTree venue in Taikoo Place , offers a quote from architect Le Corbusier that he likes: 'You employ stone, wood and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces. That is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, you do me good, I am happy and I say: This is beautiful. That is Architecture. Art enters in.'
ArtisTree in Taikoo Place was designed by Hong Kong architect Frank Leung. Photo: Harlim Djauhar Winata
'That's where I think art and architecture are similar, in that different people will feel different ways about a space much like about a piece of artwork,' Leung adds.
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And certainly, viewing architecture through an artistic lens means one will develop a deeper understanding of the design concept and, in turn, have a better appreciation of the space.
Vincent Lim and Elaine Lu of interior design firm Lim + Lu. Photo: Handout
'Traditional artistic critique provides a framework to analyse and articulate the nuances of architectural design, enabling us to move beyond superficial judgments,' opine Elaine Lu and Vincent Lim of Lim + Lu, a Hong Kong interdisciplinary interior design firm.
'By borrowing from
the language of art , we can discuss concepts such as symmetry, balance, rhythm and texture in architecture. For instance, the repetition of forms or the tactile sensibility of materials can be understood as deliberate artistic choices, rather than purely functional decisions.'
Yung's Bistro features interior design by Lim + Lu. Photo: Handout
Leung says factors such as colour, texture, proportions, overall composition, materials and technique – the same elements that help viewers navigate art pieces – are valid ways to critique architecture and interior spaces. 'It's true that not every building or space tries to speak to the people who interact with it. But I believe good buildings do send messages through having deeply considered intents around light, space, materials, and how spaces are experienced,' he adds.