The responsibility of the architect has been a recurring topic of debate throughout my career as an architecture student. Several of my professors contend that an architect bears few responsibilities towards their client. The structure should be safe, stable and adhere to the general guidelines of the program (i.e. if they ask for a bathroom, then you should give them one). Outside of these guiding principles, the architect is free to produce whatever they are inspired to.
After continued discussion, I still find fault with this argument. As an architect, you are contracted to perform a task and your agreement with the client makes you responsible to their needs. I will admit, however, that I see nothing wrong with ignoring this responsibility as long as you are not endangering the safety of your client.
In music and literature, people frequently criticize artists for “selling out”. This often occurs when the piece gains a wider base of appeal than previous work. When the final product does not match the expectations of the audience, the artist is condemned as a failure. There is a sense of responsibility to the original fans and supporters of the artist. The interests of this fan base seem to form a set of rules for the artist to follow but it is difficult to formulate definitive rules for artist responsibility. If I commission a piece of artwork, what do I deserve? Should I take whatever the artist hands me or do I have the right to demand something else since I have paid for it? Additionally, if I go to the park to listen to free music or to see a mural, does the artist have a responsibility to me?
In the art world today, the audience is frequently part of the artist’s clientele. Though movies have investors who finance production, revenues from ticket sales contribute to the income of the staff. Does a director have to appeal to all demographics, the one that follows him most closely or none?
This post has asked a lot of questions but for me it all boils down to one. What is the responsibility of the artist? Does this responsibility vary by discipline?