But as that Art is superimposed, or to say it more correctly loaned by thought-pregnant, expressive sculpture, so that Architecture can take a place among the Arts as equal, so can it be effaced, deceptively altered, so that it becomes ridiculous. If I may take advantage of your patience and come to another point, sir, I believe that Architecture belongs to the inarticulate crafts. I do not regard it as Art unless it was conceived by articulate artists like Giotto or the Gothic stone-cutters. The vast dimensions do not alter the fact that any given structure is no different than a wooden table, a magnificently conceived and carved throne or any elaborately composed furniture, as I regard architects as artistic artisans. An armor is an architectural piece, so is an airplane and a battleship, all of which are the works of a Craft, but never Art.
Architecture is an Art.
It's importance is in its dead weight, its size. If there is only the bare structure, then it merely is a pile of neatly joined stones, a gigantic piece of furniture, but if there is added some Art to its surface it may be smuggled in as one of the Arts. I spoke quickly as I was eager that he did not explode right in my face. He was so flabbergasted that he was stymied, fidgety and kept on pursing and unpursing his lips. Let me explain my view on the matter of taste, for without an agreement on this point you will not wish me to decorate the Imperial Hotel.