Whose dictum described architecture as a concern for design as a total work of art?

Alvar Aalto's dictum emphasizes the concept of architecture as an integrated discipline, where design transcends mere functionality to encompass aesthetics, environment, and human experience. Aalto believed that architecture should embody a holistic artistic vision, aligning various elements such as structure, space, and materiality to create a cohesive work of art. This perspective fosters an understanding of architecture not just as the design of buildings, but as an overarching design philosophy that considers the surroundings and the people's relationship to the built environment. Aalto's approach has significantly influenced modern architectural thought, encouraging a comprehensive understanding of how design can enhance life.

Bruno Paul, while significant in the realms of art and design, does not emphasize this total work of art philosophy in the same way Aalto does. Albert Speer's contributions are more aligned with political architecture and grandiose governmental designs, often lacking the humanist and artistic focus that Aalto champions. Otto Wagner, a central figure in the development of modern architecture, also advocated for functional considerations in design, but he did not encapsulate architecture as an all-encompassing artistic endeavor as Aalto did.