Architecture as Art: Exploring the Aesthetic Side of Design

At MMA Architectural Systems, we believe that the best architecture doesn’t just serve a purpose – it tells a story. The structures we help create are designed not only to be safe and functional but also to be visually inspiring. Working with our global partners such as Jakob, we provide systems that allow architects and designers to push the boundaries of what’s possible – turning everyday structures into works of art.

Our Stainless Steel Wire Rope and Webnet systems open up unique opportunities to introduce shape, colour and texture into projects. From delicate, floating forms to bold façades that redefine a building’s character, our solutions prove that architecture can be as much about beauty as it is about structure.

Here, we explore some standout projects where MMA and Jakob systems have been used to transform spaces across the world.

Defining Identity – Arlington Business Park, UK

At Arlington Business Park, Webnet ID was used to give a commercial development a strong visual identity. By integrating colourful discs into the Webnet mesh, the façade became a striking architectural feature, as well as an effective protective layer.

This project showcases MMA’s ability to deliver solutions that add individuality to a building, making it memorable, distinctive, and instantly recognisable. It’s a perfect example of how practical systems can also be a canvas for creative expression.

Sculptural Safety – Pedestrian Bridge, France

Pedestrian bridges are often viewed as purely functional, but this bridge in France shows how thoughtful design can make them beautiful too. The use of Jakob’s Webnet transforms the safety barrier into a sculptural feature, flowing along the length of the bridge in organic, sweeping forms.

By working with MMA, designers are able to reimagine infrastructure projects like this – ensuring safety while also making a positive visual contribution to the surrounding landscape.

Light and Transparency – Northern Beaches Hospital, Sydney

At the Northern Beaches Hospital, Webnet has been used to provide protective barriers that are both strong and unobtrusive. The transparency of the mesh allows natural light to flow through the building, creating a bright, open environment while ensuring complete safety.

This project demonstrates the subtlety of our systems: Providing essential safety in harmony with the architect’s design vision.

Art and Safety Combined – Liverpool Hospital, Sydney

Hospitals demand infrastructure and facilities that are safe and durable, but they also need to feel welcoming. The Webnet installed at Liverpool Hospital project in Sydney provides robust safety barriers, while also creating a façade that is visually engaging.

The result is an environment that balances protection with positivity,  perfectly demonstrating how Jakob solutions can help transform healthcare buildings into spaces that are as comforting as they are secure.

A Floating Experience – Attisholz-Areal, Switzerland

Perhaps the most artistic example of all is the “floating room” at Attisholz-Areal. This installation uses Jakob’s Stainless Steel Ropes to create a light, immersive structure that appears to defy gravity.

It demonstrates the incredible versatility of our systems, showing that they can be used not just for buildings and infrastructure, but also for installations that challenge perceptions and inspire the imagination.

At MMA, architectural systems are about creating spaces that feel alive, distinctive, and inspiring. Whether it’s a hospital, a car park, a pedestrian bridge, or even an art installation, our solutions help architects realise designs that truly embody architecture as art.

If you’re planning a project and want to explore how our systems can combine safety, performance and aesthetic impact, we’d be delighted to help. Get in touch with the MMA team today, we’re happy to discuss ideas, share expertise, and support you in turning your design into reality.