The Art in Architecture program, created in 1994 by Gould, is his response to fixed construction budgets and a trend toward austere, institutional school design. In the late twentieth century, the drive to limit construction costs and the parallel cultural move toward visual austerity has resulted in blank educational environments. “Until about 75 years ago, there was never a strong distinction between the architect and the artist. Da Vinci and Michelangelo not only designed buildings, but also the art that went with them. With the modern and post-modern movements, decorative building elements that users understand and enjoy have been largely eliminated.” Art in Architecture brings the artist and architect together with students, faculty, school administrators and the community to create, from conception through completion, an artistic component to school campuses. Functional elements such as fences, walkways, or walls are transformed into permanent public art, and integrated into the fabric of the campus.
Influencing Learning Environments
In conceiving Art in Architecture, architect Bill Gould also had another important objective for its application at schools: to involve site users – particularly students – in creating their own learning environments. Rarely do students have an opportunity to leave a legacy. Permanent public artwork contributes to stimulating school environments that reflect the spirit of students, faculty, and the surrounding community. Site users feel pride and ownership in their school, thus decreasing incidents of vandalism and graffiti. Exposure to Public Art The Art in Architecture process also exposes students to public art and architecture. This is not just a display of student art, Gould points out. "Students’ creative material drives the project, but the end product is public art that incorporates student work. We approach it like any public art commission, controlling the process and ensuring the quality.”
Cost & Funding
As with art programs, Art in Architecture projects are funded from separate budgets. Gould and his school district clients have been successful in attracting funding from such sources as the Community Foundation of the Silicon Valley, the San Jose City Art Commission, the Compton Foundation, Visual Arts Committees, and private companies and individuals. From a cost standpoint, the program is relatively modest. At Theuerkauf Elementary School, students, teachers, artists, and architects collaborated to create "A Walk by the Bay," a 350 foot sculptural steel frieze installed along the top of the school’s fence. This project, a recipient of several national and state awards, was undertaken for a budget of $40,000.
Art Projects
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