Art and Architecture:
Freedom of Expression and Form

Student Handout

BACKGROUND

For centuries architecture, painting and sculpture have been called the fine arts. That is to say the arts that are concerned with "the beautiful" and appeal to the eye. Architecture, art and interior design are a means of expressing design excellence.

In his book, Understanding Architecture, Leland Roth described architecture as the unavoidable art. We spend our lives in and around buildings. Not only do they provide shelter, they shape the way we feel, the way we live, and the way we work. In fact, the history of architecture is the history of culture. The Great Pyramid, the Great Wall of China, the cathedral at Chartres, or the Empire State Building embody the passions, hopes and dreams of humanity framed in time.

Architecture covers a wide variety of topics. On the one hand it is the study of building materials: stone, wood, brick, steel, and reinforced concrete. On the other hand it is an art of utility and whimsy, of ornamentation and simplicity. It is an art of infinite variety as evidenced by the castle, the apartment building, the suburban tract home and the lake front cabin.

This ATV program will examine the relationship between the fine arts, utility, and function. Guests and students from across the country will debate the distinction between art and architecture and its impact in our daily lives.

MASTERS AND THEIR WORK

The two lists below represent important architects and artists and a representative sample of their work. Try to match the piece of architecture with its architect. Then try to discover the great story behind each building.

1. The German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona Exhibition
2. Falling Water, Bear Run, PA
3. The Louvre renovation
4. Arcosanti
5. The Empire State Building
6. Monticello
7. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
8. Statue of Liberty

• Paolo Soleri
• Thomas Jefferson
• Mies van der Rohe
• I. M. Pei
• Shreve, Lamb and Harmon
• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi
• Maya Lin

The Internet is an excellent resource for studying architecture. There are many tools designed to help you find information, one is a subject browser called "Yahoo" (http//www.yahoo.com). Simply work your way through the menu of subject offerings. In this case select "Art" and then "Architecture." You will then face many fascinating choices; be sure to try out "Architectural Visualization."

QUESTIONS FOR THE PROGRAM GUESTS

Think of two questions after you have watched the program. (Possible questions: Who or what inspired you during your career? What contribution to the world of art do you think your generation will be remembered for? How does environment affect design? At what point in your life did you know you were "creative?")

CAREER CORNER - School to Work Transition

The fields of art and architecture offer a myriad of career opportunities for people with a variety of talents, skills and abilities. Here are some examples. Pick one that interests you and explore it as a career possibility. What does the person do on a daily basis? What educational background and work experience is necessary? Where is the work done? What are the rewards? You may be surprised by what you find!

• Acoustic Designer
• Architect
• Business Administrator
• C.A.D. Draftsperson
• Carpenter
• Community Planner
• Construction Worker
• Contractor
• Educator
• Electrician
• Fine Artist
• Graphic Artist
• Industrial Artist
• Interior Designer
• Landscape Designer
• Magazine Writer/Editor
• Plumber
• Sculptor