As data people, we spend most of our time designing systems, defining schemas, and ensuring that data flows efficiently through an organization. But a love for structure, balance, and precision isn’t limited to the technical world. Over the years, we’ve found a deep connection between data professions and some of our favorite works of art.
Art and data architecture, at their core, share many of the same principles: form, harmony, and functionality. So, we thought we’d take a moment to share a few works of art that inspire us in our daily work, and how they reflect the values we hold as data architects.
1. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man – The Perfect Balance of Form and Function
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is fascinating. It’s not just a drawing—it's a study in perfect proportions, symmetry, and the union of art and science. As data architects, we see this piece as a representation of how design can be both beautiful and functional.
Much like how we strive to build databases with well-thought-out relationships, da Vinci demonstrates how art can be a reflection of precise mathematical relationships. The careful balance in Vitruvian Man reminds me that good architecture is about creating systems where every piece fits together harmoniously, just as every circle and square in da Vinci's work serves a purpose.
2. Piet Mondrian’s Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow – The Power of Simplicity
Piet Mondrian’s Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow, its striking in its simplicity and clarity. Composed of just lines and blocks of color, it’s so well balanced that it doesn’t need anything more. This is something we strive for in our work.
It’s tempting to overcomplicate designs, especially when managing large systems. But like Mondrian, we recognize the power in simplicity. A well-structured data model—like a good work of art—has no unnecessary elements. Every table, every relationship, and every attribute should have a reason for being there, just as Mondrian’s lines and shapes are deliberate and purposeful.
3. M.C. Escher’s Relativity – Thinking in Multiple Dimensions
M.C. Escher’s Relativity is a piece that challenges our thinking about structure and dimension. The way Escher plays with perspective and creates a world where gravity seems irrelevant mirrors the kind of multi-dimensional thinking required for modern data projects.
We’re often working on systems that need to handle data in different formats, environments, and contexts. Escher’s world of stairs leading everywhere and nowhere at once feels like a visual metaphor for the complexity of integrating data across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments. It’s a reminder that while complexity is unavoidable, it’s possible to bring order to it through intelligent design.
4. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater – Seamless Integration with the Environment
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater inspires us as a lesson in how architecture should complement, rather than disrupt, its surroundings. The way Fallingwater merges with the natural landscape reminds us of what we aim for when building data systems: seamless integration.
In the world of data, it’s not enough to just build a system in isolation—it has to work harmoniously with an organization’s existing processes and technologies. Wright’s vision of a home that feels like an extension of nature is exactly the kind of seamless integration I aspire to in my designs. A system should enhance, not obstruct, the natural flow of business processes.
5. The Parthenon – Timeless Structure and Proportion
The Parthenon is one of those ancient structures that still leaves the viewer in awe. Its proportions are perfect, its design timeless. The Parthenon is a symbol of what great architecture—whether physical or digital—should be: built to last, balanced, and rooted in strong foundational principles.
We, too, think about building systems that are scalable and durable. Just as the Parthenon has stood the test of time, we strive to design systems that can evolve with the business while maintaining the integrity of their original structure. It’s about creating something that will serve its purpose not just today, but for years to come.
6. Gustav Klimt’s The Tree of Life – The Beauty of Connection
Gustav Klimt’s The Tree of Life is another favorite of ours. Its swirling branches and intricate details are a beautiful representation of interconnectedness and growth—critical concepts when designing data systems.
A well-architected data system, like Klimt’s tree, is all about making connections. It’s about taking disparate elements—different data sources, different technologies—and weaving them together into a cohesive, functioning whole. The result, when done right, is something that not only works but is also elegant and sustainable.
Art and data architecture are closely intertwined. Both require a balance between creativity and structure, vision and discipline. Great architecture, in any form, is about more than just function. It’s about creating something that is as beautiful in its efficiency as it is in its design.