An Introduction to Art & Systems Architecture

A Perspective on Systems Thinking, Architecting, and Art: Part 1

By Tom McDermott & Alejandro Salado

In this blog series, we are exploring the relationships between the arts and technical disciplines. In Parts 1-3, we are exploring how artistic endeavors can improve the organization and communication of complex projects in order to encourage more elegant design. In Part 4, we will explore the relationship and similarities between large engineering projects and major artistic endeavors, using the example of the production of a film score and theatre production. In Part 5, we will discuss a framework and a series of experimental classes/class modules designed to educate systems people using approaches from art education.

Systems architecture has been considered both an art and a science. The systems architect uses heuristics, stories, and models to communicate complex architectural concepts. Since its inception, master architects have developed their skills broadly across technical domains, business, and fine art.

Architecture is an art that works hand-in-hand with science, engineering, and business to design the large systems we use. We recognize good architecture as being “elegant,” a quality that separates one design from another in terms of aesthetics, ease of use, desirable functionality, and overall utility. But elegant architectures are also safer, more secure, more efficient, more equitable, among many other qualities that would be termed “better”, as opposed to other things we don’t find as pleasing to use.

The core product of an architect is design. They use everything from simple diagrams to elaborate sketches to explain their designs. They write narratives and specifications to define the operational and technical details of their design. Effective communication is critical when they present their work; and calculating everything from technical to business aspects of the design.

Inspired by the practice of architecture and the qualities of elegant design, we created a knowledge framework and then a learning model that links concepts from art, systems thinking, and systems architecture (shown in Figure 1).

The sciences and engineering and business are well practiced at developing the analytical and methodological competencies. However, they fall short on the conceptual and compositional skills. Art education encourages effective communication and critique across portfolios of work and can effectively improve the overall skills of any discipline. Systems and critical thinking are the core of our conceptual skills and design is where we use our compositional skills.

As such, teaching systems and critical thinking skills along with design within an art studio setting better prepares students to master complex problem-solving skills by creating linkages between art (communication and aesthetics), systems thinking (conceptualization), and systems architecting (composition).