The Sculptural Pause: The Integration of Sculpture and Architecture in Corporate Contexts

Abstract

This thesis traces the interdependence of sculpture, architecture, and corporations in relation to evolving work conditions since the 1950s. The large sociological shift stems from a transition from the 1950s organization man to today’s so-called creative class of mainly millennial workers. The relationship of these areas comes from not only the reliance of the arts on corporations as a consumption market, but also the reliance on companies to engage with the arts for its place-making abilities and programmatic qualities. This thesis thus traces drastic changes in the use, design, and integration of sculpture and architecture for corporations through three conditions: symbolic placement, spatial awareness, and spatial immersion. It is certainly not a direct causal relationship that follows a strict chronological timeline. Focusing on the area of New York hence provides the opportunity to discuss other economic, cultural, and political forces that have shaped corporate environments. Ultimately, by framing these three conditions, I argue that shifting conceptions of work have led to a gradual convergence of sculpture and architecture. The integration of the human body in architectural-sculptural design reveals an increasing focus on movement and experience, which obscures the workforce’s ability to distinguish between leisure and workspace.