In the fast-moving world, anything subtle and Instagram-worthy has become aesthetic. From just being an adjective, “aesthetics” has now become a way of life where the surroundings are pleasant, colour-coordinated, and suppress anxious minds. Anything that looks eye-soothing has become aesthetic nowadays. From decorated temples to monolithic walls, everything is aesthetic as long as it allows a person to wait, grasp, and feel what he is looking at. Moreover, aesthetics is a mindset that comes with the affordability of time.
More is less: Ornamentation.
Before the advent of the printing press, people expressed their cultural values and history through the arts. Paintings, murals, religious buildings, and interior decors became a media through which people expressed their power, character and tradition. This aesthetic valued craftsmanship, storytelling, and the idea that every element contributes to a cohesive and expressive whole. They were Bright and bold or subtle and nuanced, but always layered and full of life.
From Renaissance, Baroque architecture characterized by dramatic, ornate detailing such as sculptural facades, gilded accents, and frescoed ceilings to the art nouveau which features Flowing, organic forms in ironwork, stained glass, and furniture portray ornamentation aesthetics. Those ornamentations were not just mere works of art but also ensured the structural stability of the building aiding in spanning the closed space or in spanning in height while telling a story of its own- for example, the vaults, flying buttresses, pediments, columns and capital.
The temple and Islamic architecture predominant in India are characterized by storytelling sculptures with anatomical detailing on stone and Quran verse with intricate floral details respectively. The temple architecture mostly dealt with ornate stone carvings as stone was used as the main construction material. The aesthetic style relied on the availability of materials and also on the durability of the material. As human representation was allowed in Hinduism, the sculptures expressed the human anatomy and way of living more than the storytelling. In Islamic architecture, as human representation was prohibited, intricate floral and geometric designs were used, and botanical study and geometric study played a key role in the ornamentation.
These architectural masterpieces have not only created the awe factor but also stand as a testament to time, material and storytelling by portraying the history and lifestyle of that time.
Less is more
The “less is more” aesthetic is a principle of simplicity and minimalism. Simplicity and clarity by stripping unnecessary details and focusing on clean lines, essential forms, and uncluttered compositions are characterized in modern-day aesthetics. It restrains itself with minimal materials with textures or ideas to stand out without distraction and create a sense of sophistication and timelessness. These characters have been predominant in Japanese Zen gardens, and traditional tea rooms which incorporate simplicity and natural materials, like wood and stone, with minimal decoration.
In minimalism, structure is predominant, giving a sense of boldness and truth. It also follows the material identity and explores texture through it. Moreover, it emphasises the play of light and shadow, making the building a living component.
Monotony of materials
The repetitive use of a single material across a structure or series of structures worldwide has created a monotony of materials. Though it has developed visual cohesion and simplicity, it has led to a lack of variety and dynamism. Over-reliance on one material has limited a building’s adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, leading to practical issues like poor insulation or maintenance challenges. Tadao Ando’s use of concrete is monotonous but elevated through meticulous formwork, texture, and interplay with light. Few buildings like uniform housing blocks or industrial buildings that fail to engage with human-scale aesthetics often face criticism for their sterile, monotonous appearance.
For example, the church of Light. Ando’s precise formwork creates smooth, seamless concrete surfaces. The material’s monotony is disrupted by light, which enters through a cross-shaped opening in the wall, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The minimalist use of one material emphasizes spirituality and contemplation, aligning with the building’s purpose.
With creativity and care, material monotony can be turned into an asset. Through thoughtful texture, detailing, light manipulation, and complementary elements, architects can maintain cohesion without sacrificing interest.
Glass or curtain walls have become the most extensively used façade material worldwide irrespective of the environmental conditions. Though glazing techniques have improved to address the thermal properties of the glass, it comes with increased maintenance and application costs. It has also led to environmental concerns regarding the decline of migratory birds due to their use in high elevations and skyscrapers. They reflect light which confuses the migratory birds. Not only birds, but the extensive use of glass has resulted in the monotonous identity of cities, making them not so unique apart from the heritage buildings.
Urban aesthetics
Aesthetics does not end in interiors and building exteriors, it also depends on the context in which it sits. Urban Aesthetics refers to the visual, sensory, and experiential quality of cities, shaped by architecture, public spaces, infrastructure, and cultural expressions. The harmonious integration of historical landmarks with modern developments enhances urban identity. A lack of coordination between contemporary and traditional architectural elements can result in incoherent urban aesthetics. Parks, plazas, and streetscapes are central to urban aesthetics. The choice of materials in facades, paving, and street furniture (e.g., wood, stone, metal) can create warmth or sterility.
Urban concepts like garden cities promote satellite communities surrounding the central city and separated with greenbelts, city beautiful or city beautification aimed to improve the aesthetic qualities of cities and towns and to create more livable and orderly environments. Today, realizing those concepts would be an arduous task. Poorly planned high-density areas have resulted in visual and functional chaos. The urban sprawl has increased rapidly due to industrialization and migration, and the city’s expansion has led people to reclaim land from water. With these adverse conditions, there has always been the issue of wealthier districts often receiving more aesthetic investments compared to underserved areas, reinforcing socio-economic divides.
When is aesthetics
Aesthetics is a broad term that defines the smallest furniture to the largest country. One gets its character as aesthetics when it is livable, respecting the context and people-friendly. When every place decides to follow material honesty, address environmental concerns, provide quality life to everyone without inequality, be inclusive, have proper waste management and respect the culture, The place becomes aesthetic. Aesthetic appreciation develops over time, and anyone who can sit, relax, and enjoy their surroundings can find beauty even in the simplest things.
