Thames Barrier

Thames Barrier, originally uploaded by .craig.

These structures, engineering art always baffles me!

Is it architecture? Is it both engineering and architecture?
Is it sculpture, to enhance an engineering work?

Or is it all of the latter... and it goes on. . .

In my opinion, the Thames River Barrier is primarily a magnificent work of engineering where architectural design played a major role for this magnificent structure to be a pleasant if not wondrous work of art. Engineering in the old days was utilitarian, economic civil works that was considered architecture in itself, but nowadays, it is quite difficult to tell where engineering and architecture begins and ends.

Would you say that this is a magnificent work of engineering or an architectural piece?

Or would you say that this is an engineering work of art complimented by the sculptural architecture that enhanced it?

Or would you say that this is both engineering and architecture that sculptural work has enhanced?

The questions and answers could be debated by thousands of opinionated viewers and professionals themselves as it will always be subjective from the point of every viewer or lover of engineering, architecture or sculpture, (in any order of preference). A debate on this could spark thousands of opinions. I would like to hear from you professionals, (architects, engineers, sculptors, artists)