The Impact of Environment on Art and Design: How Location Shapes the Experience

Art, by its nature, is not static. While many artworks are designed with a particular location in mind, what happens when the same piece is placed in different environments? The physical space around the artwork often plays a crucial role in shaping not only how it looks but how it’s experienced, perceived, and interpreted by its audience. Art has the power to change based on its context, whether in a bustling city square, a peaceful park, or a sprawling sculpture garden. In this post, we’ll explore how different environments affect artworks, using Liam Hopkins’ Cathedral of Sound as a key example, alongside other works that have been relocated to new spaces, taking on new meanings and engaging with audiences in unexpected ways.

Urban Environments and Art

Urban environments have become a vibrant canvas for contemporary artists, offering endless opportunities to explore the intersection of city life, culture, and creativity. Installation art, in particular, has transformed public spaces, turning city streets, plazas, and buildings into immersive experiences that reflect the energy and diversity of urban life. French artist JR, for example, is renowned for using large-scale photography and installation art to highlight the stories and faces of city communities, fostering a sense of connection and shared identity within the urban landscape.

The city itself often becomes an integral part of the artwork, with artists using architecture, street art, and public spaces to present their ideas and challenge traditional notions of fine arts. Banksy’s provocative murals and installations, for instance, use the city as both subject and medium, encouraging viewers to reflect on social issues and the role of art in public life. By exploring urban environments, artists create artworks that engage with the complexities of city living, from the rhythm of daily life to the challenges of community and identity.

This focus on urban spaces has expanded the definition of art, blurring the boundaries between gallery and street, and inviting a broader audience to participate in the art world. Through photography, sculpture, and installation, artists present new perspectives on the relationship between people and their environments, inspiring conversations about the role of art in shaping the cities we live in.

Cathedral of Sound in St Peter’s Square vs. Mayfield Park

St Peter’s Square: Initially placed in St Peter’s Square, Cathedral of Sound occupied a busy, pedestrianized area at the heart of Manchester’s city centre. The square, filled with tourists, commuters, and office workers, offered a high-energy environment, where the sculpture’s presence was visually striking. However, the competing sounds of traffic, chatter, and the general hum of the city made it difficult for the wind-powered sculpture to fully come to life. While the visual element of the piece stood out, the sound, a crucial aspect of the installation, was somewhat overshadowed by the surrounding noise.

The square, with its urban context, made for an exciting yet challenging space for the kinetic sculpture. The wind-driven sound of the guitars was difficult to fully appreciate in a space so saturated with other stimuli. Though still impactful, the piece didn’t engage with its environment in the same way it would in a quieter setting.

Mayfield Park: When Cathedral of Sound was later moved to Mayfield Park, the transformation was striking. The open, tranquil space allowed the sculpture to truly come to life. In the park, the wind was able to move freely through the structure, making the sound more pronounced and immersive. With fewer distractions and an abundance of natural elements, the sculpture’s kinetic elements — the plucking of the guitar strings — were fully realized. The natural environment amplified the experience, creating a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. In Mayfield Park, the artwork interacted more intimately with the viewer, offering a deeper, more contemplative experience than in the bustling square.

The contrast between St Peter’s Square and Mayfield Park highlights how a kinetic sculpture like Cathedral of Sound depends on its environment. In the city centre, it had to compete with external noises, while in the park, it flourished. The wind, a key element in producing sound, was allowed to flow freely in the park, transforming the piece from a city intervention to an immersive, organic experience.

Polar Bears by Lazerian in Different Environments

Sculpture Park: Liam Hopkins’ Polar Bears provides another example of how art changes when moved between environments. These large, abstract sculptures are inspired by animals, specifically polar bears, highlighting the significance of animals as motifs in art. The sculptures are striking in their scale and materiality, and when placed in a sculpture park, they take on a serene, contemplative quality. The natural setting, with its open space and green surroundings, allows the piece to blend seamlessly with the landscape. The peaceful environment enhances the viewer’s experience, inviting a more reflective interaction with the work. The natural elements, from the trees to the changing light, all add to the piece’s presence, giving it a sense of harmony.

First St, Manchester: When relocated to First St in Manchester, Polar Bears became an entirely different experience. In this urban environment, the large-scale sculptures stood in stark contrast to the surrounding cityscape. The concrete and glass of the city provided a sharp, industrial backdrop, turning the sculptures into more than just passive objects. They became active interventions in the urban space, engaging with the architecture and the rhythm of city life. The large forms of the bears became even more striking against the stark urban landscape, prompting a dynamic interaction with the public. The urban setting made the sculptures feel more alive, challenging passersby to reflect on the space and their relationship to the artwork.

Yellowstone Park, Private Commission:In the expansive Yellowstone Park, Polar Bears took on yet another form. Surrounded by open skies and vast natural beauty, the sculptures now served as symbols of nature’s fragility. The park’s vastness allowed the artwork to blend into the environment, connecting deeply with the natural world. Here, the piece became a symbol not only of artistic beauty but also of the need for conservation. The surroundings, with their wide open spaces and natural elements, emphasized the environmental message behind the work, turning the sculptures into a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species.

The Importance of Environment for the Art’s Message

The environment in which art is displayed doesn’t just alter its physical interaction with the audience; it deepens the narrative and enhances the symbolism of the work. The creation of art environments is often shaped by the setting itself, with the process of creation influenced by the evolving relationship between the artist and the space. A sculpture in a public square can take on a different significance from one placed in a serene park or an isolated private commission. The change in setting can shift the audience’s perception and engagement, transforming the work’s message.

For instance, Cathedral of Sound moves from being an urban intervention to an immersive, nature-inspired experience when placed in a park. In the city, it’s an eye-catching, sound-producing piece that stands out against the backdrop of the urban hustle. In the park, it becomes an extension of the natural world, amplifying the sound of the wind and creating an engaging, immersive experience. Similarly, Polar Bears shifts from a contemplative, peaceful piece in the sculpture park to a dynamic, urban intervention in Manchester and finally to a conservation symbol in Yellowstone Park. Each environment influences how we connect with the artwork, shaping the narrative it conveys.

Other Artists and Designers Who Have Explored Art in Different Environments

Christo and Jeanne-Claude – The Gates (2005)

Central Park, New York City vs. Lake Biwa, Japan (2002)

Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic installation The Gates consisted of 7,503 gates with vibrant orange fabric that hung across the walkways of Central Park in New York City. This sprawling installation transformed the park into an immersive pathway, inviting visitors to visit the park and explore its natural beauty through a series of gates. The installation’s massive scale worked well in the urban expanse of Central Park, where it complemented the park’s mix of bustling energy and tranquil landscapes.

However, the concept of The Gates was also adapted and displayed in Lake Biwa, Japan, a much more intimate and secluded environment. Here, the gates created a more personal experience, blending with the surrounding natural landscape in a way that highlighted the serenity of the location. The contrast between the urban vibrancy of Central Park and the peaceful nature of Lake Biwa demonstrated how the same artwork can evoke different emotional responses depending on its environment.

Richard Serra – Tilted Arc (1981)

Federal Plaza, New York City vs. New Jersey (1980s)

Richard Serra’s Tilted Arc was a large-scale public sculpture made of weathered steel, installed in Federal Plaza in New York City. The piece was controversial for its size, its disorienting angle, and its impact on the public space. The work, meant to alter the way people moved through the plaza, was ultimately dismantled after a public outcry about its negative effect on the space. The lack of public support ultimately led to the removal of the sculpture. While Tilted Arc was not relocated in its original form, the concept of the piece has been explored in other locations, demonstrating how a similar artwork can take on different meanings in various environments.

Serra’s focus on the interaction between the artwork and the space underscores the idea that the environment is essential to the experience of the work. Its relocation or reimagining would have completely changed how the piece was perceived and interacted with, reinforcing the idea that space and viewer influence the interpretation of art.

Yayoi Kusama – Infinity Mirror Rooms (1965 – present)

Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum, Washington D.C. vs. Tate Modern, London

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms are immersive, reflective environments that captivate viewers with their endless reflections and lights. These rooms have been displayed in different art museums worldwide, such as the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C. and Tate Modern in London. Although the core of the artwork remains consistent, the experience changes dramatically due to the space in which it’s housed.

The architecture of each museum influences the reflection and perception of the work. In Washington D.C., the Infinity Mirror Room is presented in a more intimate setting, while at Tate Modern, the room is often presented within a larger gallery, creating a different relationship with the viewer and the surrounding space. The way these installations are presented in each museum directly affects how visitors engage with the art. Kusama’s work demonstrates how the size, form, and layout of the environment significantly influence the sensory and emotional responses of the audience.

Banksy – Dismaland (2015)

Western Super Mare, UK vs. New York City (Uncertain/Pop-Up)

Banksy’s Dismaland was a dark, dystopian theme park that initially opened in the town of Western Super Mare, UK, as a satirical commentary on consumerism, mass culture, and the failures of the idealized fairytale. Set in a disused tourist location, the park’s dilapidated setting enhanced its message, drawing attention to the decaying nature of modern-day illusions.

Though the installation didn’t officially move to New York City, the provocative nature of Dismaland inspired similar pop-up works in other cities, including New York. The change from an industrial, post-tourism site in the UK to a bustling metropolitan city significantly altered the relationship between the artwork and the viewer. The urban environment allowed the piece to address new sociocultural issues, reinforcing how different contexts can give a piece entirely new layers of meaning.

Anish Kapoor – Cloud Gate (2006)

Millennium Park, Chicago vs. Various Locations (Pop-Up Exhibitions)

Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “The Bean,” is a reflective sculpture located in Millennium Park, Chicago. Its mirror-like surface distorts and reflects the surrounding skyline, offering a constantly shifting view of the city. The intricate details of the sculpture’s highly polished surface capture subtle changes in light, color, and movement, enhancing the viewer’s experience by revealing new visual details from every angle. The sculpture’s interaction with its environment is crucial to its impact, as the ever-changing reflections invite viewers to engage with both the artwork and the landscape.

While Cloud Gate is most famous for its installation in Chicago, it has appeared in various pop-up exhibitions worldwide. In each new location, the surrounding cityscape or natural environment alters how the sculpture is perceived. Whether in an urban center or a temporary exhibition space, Kapoor’s Cloud Gate demonstrates how the reflective nature of art can engage with different settings to create new perspectives and meanings.

Barbara Hepworth – Single Form (1961)

UN Headquarters, New York City vs. Kew Gardens, UK

Barbara Hepworth’s Single Form, initially placed at the UN Headquarters in New York City, symbolises peace and reconciliation. The abstract bronze sculpture was meant to reflect Hepworth’s exploration of form, space, and balance in the context of global diplomacy. Its location within the UN building highlighted its thematic ties to unity and international cooperation.

Later relocated to Kew Gardens in London, the piece took on a very different meaning. The sculpture, now part of a natural setting, resonated with the land and landscape around it, creating a dialogue between the art and its organic surroundings. This connection to the land emphasizes how the sculpture interacts with both the physical environment and the cultural significance of its new home. This shift demonstrates how art can shift from a representation of global unity to a more intimate reflection on the relationship between art, nature, and tranquility.

Michael Heizer – Levitated Mass (2012)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) vs. Various Locations (Road Trip)

Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass is a massive 340-ton boulder that traveled across California on a 105-mile journey before being permanently placed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The journey itself became a form of public engagement, with people gathering along the route to witness the massive stone’s movement. Numerous events took place at various stops, where communities organized gatherings and workshops to celebrate and interact with the artwork as it passed through.

The relocation from rural landscapes to urban L.A. highlights how the journey and the environment are both integral to the artwork’s identity. As the stone traveled through towns and cities, it created a dialogue between the rural and the urban, transforming the act of moving the stone into a form of art itself. The context of LACMA’s urban space further amplified the interaction between the monumental and the everyday, giving the artwork new significance depending on where it was placed.

The Power of Location in Shaping Art

The environment is not just a backdrop for art — it is an active participant in the way we experience and interpret it. From kinetic pieces like Cathedral of Sound to monumental sculptures like Polar Bears, location plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, engagement, and meaning of the work. Whether in the urban rhythm of a city square or the tranquil expanse of a park, the environment allows us to see art from different perspectives, each one offering a new, enriched understanding of the work.

As artists and designers continue to experiment with environments and spaces, we will only see more examples of how location transforms art. The interaction between artwork and environment is a key element of its identity, and each relocation provides an opportunity for deeper engagement and reflection. In this dynamic relationship, the environment does more than just house the artwork — it helps define it.