Encountering Architecture through Contemporary Art

Contemporary discourse in architecture oftenutilizes sources outside the traditional realm ofarchitecture. Much less often do architects examinewhat contemporary artists have to say aboutarchitecture. Architecture as the subject matter forartists often examines conditions that occupy theperiphery of architectural thought. Contemporaryarchitecture discourse tends to focus on the creationand production of new form and space where programmaticfunction, method of production, financialconstraints and ecological impact dictate much ofthe design focus. Contemporary artists who referencearchitecture as a cultural commentary tend toexamine architecture in a post-occupancy conditionor capture architecture in a state of transition. Forarchitects, examining the outcomes of their professionfrom the viewpoint of the contemporary artistcan be enlightening and inspiring.This paper looks at six contemporary artists whosework examines architecture as a means to expressa position towards social and cultural issues andaspects of daily life. The paper examines the work ofDo Ho Suh, Rachel Whiteread, Theaster Gates, ClayKetter, Sara McKenzie and Tom Sachs. Each artistoffers a transformative understanding of architecturefrom outside the profession.

Volume Editors
Urs Peter Flueckiger & Victoria McReynolds

ISBN
978-1-944214-16-6