Architectural Aesthetics: Appreciating Architecture As An Art

Edward Winters argues that architecture is a fine art because it is designed to serve our purposes and finds a place for it in the cultural environment in which we structure our lives. He reconciles intrinsic value with extrinsic value, drawing on the Apollonian and the Dionysian to resolve the conflict between the two. He introduces a humanistic view of the medium and extends our understanding of aesthetics and the everyday.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The fine arts are traditionally esteemed for their inherent value, recognized as valuable in and of themselves. However, this presents a challenge for architecture, as its creations are designed to serve specific purposes, making it categorized as functional. In his exploration, Edward Winters argues that architecture should be considered a fine art, finding a rightful place within the cultural environment that shapes our lives.

Winters skillfully reconciles the intrinsic value of architecture as a fine art with its extrinsic functions, such as providing shelter, security, and comfort. He avoids succumbing to the modernist notion of Functionalism, which views architecture solely as a means to an end. Instead, he draws upon the Apollonian and the Dionysian to resolve the apparent conflict between these two values. The Apollonian embodies contemplative, detached reflection, while the Dionysian embodies an engaged, embodied entanglement with the festive mood inspired by the immediate situation.

Winters asserts that architecture should be regarded as functional, but this functionality is subsumed under the inherent aesthetic value of living well. By introducing the main positions in the philosophy of architecture through the lens of the timeless argument about what constitutes art, Winters presents a humanistic view of the medium and expands our understanding of aesthetics and the everyday.

In conclusion, Edward Winters' argument compellingly demonstrates that architecture can be recognized as a fine art, transcending its functional role and deserving of equal consideration in the cultural landscape. Through his thoughtful exploration, he offers a valuable perspective on the aesthetics and significance of architecture, enriching our understanding of the built environment and its impact on our lives.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 215 x 139 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350211001