Art and design in public buildings: Adding an important aesthetic element to properties

Building owners with an appreciation for art and design have long known that sculptures in their buildings' lobbies or on plazas in front of buildings add an important aesthetic element to their properties. Such additions are not only perceived as distinctive artistic signatures of many buildings, but sculptures are also appreciated by tenants who feel that there is something special about the buildings in which they work. In fact, sculptures in buildings not only increase the architectural beauty of a building, but they also humanize buildings that would otherwise seem impersonal. Sculptures in buildings have been shown to attract tenants and make lobbies places of interest for visitors. Indeed, sculptures in commercial buildings have been an integral aspect of design since the erection of the first skyscrapers. Henry Stern, former New York commissioner of Parks & Recreation, and mayor Ed Koch passed a bill in New York City called Percentage for Art that called for all capital improvement projects to devote 1% of its total cost to the placement of art to be enjoyed by the public. And many New York City buildings display magnificent works of sculpture created by many of the world's leading artists. Stern said,"Art enriches the spirit of the populace. It brightens the day for people who view it and reflect on it. It stirs the imagination, causing viewers to think of other things. It broadens their horizons, and of course it's good for the artist too. New York has been one of the leaders in encouraging the installation of art." Strong-Cuevas, a sculptor and public arts advocate, said, "Art in building lobbies and on plazas has a civilizing affect on people; it promotes good behavior in those who enjoy the presence of art. The installation of art in buildings should be integral to the design of any building." Once more building owners and developers get on board and support art in their buildings' public spaces, they will come to realize the value of art not only to their tenants, but also to the value of their properties. Of course, it is important that such art be available to all tenants and not be perceived as a cultural diversion for an elite group. Once the owners and developers come to appreciate sculpture in their buildings, they will also become more receptive to integrating sculpture into the design of their buildings. Strong-Cuevas said, "Whether the installation of sculpture is permanent or transitory, tenants - once exposed to such art - will come to feel that art humanizes spaces that might otherwise appear to be cold and impersonal. Furthermore, the art can have an historical value, representing shared traditions and values of particular interest to individual companies and buildings." Art in buildings, if it is going to have a dramatic presence and be viewed from many angles, must be sculpture. It is no wonder then that large heroic pieces created by Strong-Cuevas, are a magnet not only for art lovers, but also for those who feel attracted by the sculptures' size, pronounced beauty, and elegant bright surfaces. Her sculptures of the Great Wall, of the Arch, and of Look Twice, for example, all have a dramatic presence that captivates the attention of viewers. It is unfortunate that many buildings in large cities, which could accommodate large sculptures, tend to be nondescript and do not offer a sense of beauty to tenants. Yet, a surprisingly large number of owners have installed sculptures in their lobbies to provide a sense of beauty to those who work in their buildings. There is a growing number of owners and developers who believe that art contributes to the value of their buildings to the sense of well-being of their tenants. Strong-Cuevas said, "It is important that artists play an integral role in planning, participating with architects, designers, builders, city planners, and various municipal agencies to create works that illuminate our culture and elevate the humanity of all." As such, artists bring their sense of inspiration and unique sense of interpretation to each project, not making them in Shelley's words 'unacknowledged legislators,' but rather integral community leaders, lending their insight and creativity to an environment for all tenants to enjoy. Jeffrey Sussman is president of Jeffrey Sussman, Inc., New York, N.Y.