Harmonious Arts: The Aesthetic Connection Between Calligraphy and Architecture

In the reflections of Korosh Ghazimorad, a prominent contemporary Iranian calligrapher, calligraphy and architecture are two brothers and two arts with a long history and tradition. The foundation of both is based on balance, proportion, and harmony. Both use lines and forms to create beauty, both in appearance and in meaning. In other words, the arrangement and connections in calligraphy are akin to the skeleton of a building, executed with utmost delicacy and precision.

Although in the past, the art of calligraphy was primarily used to decorate architectural structures, today, with a modern view of script and the positive and negative spaces of letters, one can create unique and innovative works alongside architecture. The philosophy of aesthetics in both arts emphasizes the importance of unity.

In calligraphy, the thickness, angle, and curvature of lines determine the delicacy and beauty of words. In architecture, architects place lines with sensitivity and precision to create balanced, proportionate, and visually pleasing spaces with walls, columns, arches, and domes. In calligraphy, the geometry of letters, such as the height, length, and width of words, as well as circles, stretches, and slopes, contribute to the order and coherence of letters and words. Similarly, in architecture, these geometric shapes are considered in the plans, elevations, and sections of a building.

In calligraphy, maintaining the width and thinness, distances, and connections of letters to words adds depth and dimension, which can convey a sense of movement and dynamism. In architecture, elements like light, shadow, and landscape are used to create a dynamic and fluid space for the audience. Beyond writing, calligraphy can display deeper concepts and more beautiful meanings through visual aspects. The choice of script type, line thickness and angle, word arrangement, and the use of punctuation marks all play a role in conveying the intended feeling and meaning of the calligrapher. Similarly, in architecture, the selection of materials, building form, compositions, and symbolic elements all play a role in conveying the architect’s message and feeling to the audience.

Form in architecture plays a fundamental role in creating space, expressing ideas, and enhancing human experiences. The use of curved lines, like the positive and negative spaces of letters, carries a sense of movement and dynamism, distinguishing them from geometric and traditional shapes. Fluid and organic forms can also imbue buildings with a sense of flexibility and boldness.