A symbol is a concept that represents, stands for, or conveys another idea, visual image, belief, action, or material entity. They take the form of words, sounds, gestures, ideas, or visual images and are used to convey other ideas and beliefs. Symbolic architecture refers to the use of architectural design and elements to convey symbolic meaning or representation beyond their functional or aesthetic purposes. Architects often use symbolism to communicate cultural, religious, philosophical, or historical ideas and create a deeper connection between the built environment and its inhabitants.
Houses and landscapes that surround us have emotional, psychological, and physical effects on the well-being of all the inhabitants. Through the articulation of spaces, the art of architecture is concerned with forms and shapes. In architecture, spatial communication refers to a designer’s capacity to elicit certain interpretations through his designs, patterns, textures, or graphics. Symbolism in architecture is often solved at different levels like digital and numeric symbols, graphic characters, conceptual-planning level, associators, metaphors, and imitations.
Symbolism can have a profound impact on any location’s architecture, instilling meaning that has changed history. The emotions a designer might evoke in their audience include melancholy, romance, mysticism, and even spirituality. Every place has its own legacy, history, and culture that they are proud of; some are proud of their heritage buildings while others are proud of their cultures and folklore. All of these are witnessed in the art, architecture, and building environment of that place. Ancient civilizations were very active in designing symbolic buildings which represented their religions and culture. But with growing urban infrastructure, the inclusive symbolism has declined leading to mass concrete jungles.
Symbolism in architecture can be justified in various ways like religious symbolism, national identity, metaphorical representation, commemoration, and sacred geometry. The ideas and values of the faith are frequently represented in religious structures via symbolic elements. For instance, the pointed arches, elaborate stained glass windows, and tall spires found in European Gothic churches represent a desire for the divine and heavenly realm. Likewise, architecture can represent a nation’s identity with its values. The Taj Mahal in India symbolises love and devotion, while the Pyramids of Egypt signify the pharaoh’s authority and afterlife.
Architects sometimes employ metaphorical representations to convey abstract concepts. The Sydney Opera House, designed by Jørn Utzon, resembles a series of sailboats on the water, symbolising Australia’s maritime heritage and its cultural connection to the sea. Buildings are frequently erected as monuments or memorials to remember important occasions or to honour people. The names of lost soldiers are carved on a reflecting black wall of the Maya Lin, designed Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States, evoking a sense of sadness and remembering. Throughout history, symbolic geometric shapes and proportions have been used in buildings. For instance, several architectural designs, like the Parthenon in Athens, have used the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio thought to express aesthetic harmony.
Symbolism in art conveys deeper meanings, emotions, or concepts beyond the literal interpretation of the artwork. Artists employ symbolism to evoke feelings, provoke thought, and communicate complex ideas. Artists frequently impart symbolic messages by using body postures, gestures, or hand positions. For instance, a figure with its arms extended could signify vulnerability or openness. Visual metaphors are used by artists to convey abstract ideas or feelings. A broken chain, for instance, may represent freedom from oppression, while a withered flower might represent the passage of time or the frailty of existence. Symbols and references from culture or history that have connotations when placed in each situation can be reflected in art. These images are used to study communal memories or to make social or political criticism.
Today, Modern and Post-Modern Architecture have eliminated historic symbolism associated with any given culture. Although it is only partially feasible to eliminate a building’s symbolic meaning, every structure has its relevance and identity that is significant to its users. The twentieth century saw the emergence of numerous new ideologies, which were evaluated through architectural improvements. Only some architects still use symbolism in their works to imbue their designs with deeper meanings and create a more profound connection with the users and the surrounding environment. Architects utilise specific forms to convey symbolic meanings. A building with a pointed roof might symbolise aspiration or spirituality, while a curvilinear form might represent harmony.
Different materials trigger different emotions and have symbolic meanings. A sense of coziness, genuineness, or closeness to nature, for instance, can be created by employing natural materials like wood or stone. In contrast, sleek, reflecting materials could represent modernity or advancement. Architects use cultural references in their projects to reflect a particular cultural identity or legacy. They use architectural features, themes, or materials connected to a certain culture or historical era.
Source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/559361216201058720/
In architecture, the use of light and shadow can have symbolic meanings. Architects can use artificial or natural light to produce dramatic effects, highlight details, or provoke specific feelings. For instance, light beams passing through a stained-glass window may represent the presence of the divine or enlightenment. Using symbolism, architects might engage the environment or historical setting in conversation. Establishing a sense of place and strengthening a relationship with the site may entail including components representing the local topography, culture, or historical allusions. Architects can encourage ecological awareness and a healthy relationship with nature using environmentally conscious design principles and symbols. This can entail using passive solar design strategies, including natural components into the building’s architecture, or adding green roofs.
References:
Astakhova, E., 2020. iopscience. [Online]
Available at: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/913/3/032024/pdf
J, A., 1995. Penta.urfgs. [Online]
Available at: http://penta.ufrgs.br/edu/telelab/3/symbolic.htm#:~:text=Symbolic%20architecture%20refers%20to%20the,rules%20in%20a%20particular%20sequence.
Jindal, S., 2020. blarrow. [Online]
Available at: https://blarrow.tech/symbolism-in-architecture/
[Accessed 28 March 2020].
Rafie, Y. O. E., 2010. Research Gate. [Online]
Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350799701_SYMBOLIC_BUILDINGS
[Accessed December 2010].
Sahab, S., 2019. LinkedIn. [Online]
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/symbolism-architecture-saba-shahab/
