Top 10 List of Famous Architecture Quotes
Dictums are quotes of famous architects that we tend to memorize during board exam review days. I use it as my ice breaker whenever I experience exhaustion due to information overload. In fact, I still visit my flash cards whenever I find time. They are good source of inspiration. For the purpose of this blog, I limit it to only 10 of the bests. Though I find it challenging because there are a lot to choose from. I ranked them based on their personal impact to my work, experience and resonance. Here are my top 10:
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10. "Form follows function." - Louis Sullivan
Three-worded quotes are strong in catching attention. As much as I'm a fan of it, I resort to this one from the American architect. This is like the template of my earlier works as an architect. Visualizing the movement (function) of the occupant from entry point until exiting the space. From those movements, the floor plan takes shape and the building takes form.
9. "You cannot simply put something new into a place. You have to absorb what you see around you, what exists on the land, and then use that knowledge along with contemporary thinking to interpret what you see." - Tadao Ando
Instead of insisting to use foreign materials that is not found on the site, use what is available. It is like ordering tons of white sand to cover a gray beachfront, that's how odd it is for me. 'Context' is like: a room being a part of a house; a house on a property lot and ; a property lot in a community.
8. "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence." - Daniel Burnham
This is applicable not only to projects but life in general. No matter how big or small the scale or scope of the project is, always give the best solution. We are not judged on what we have but what we come up with our limited resources. Aside from being an American architect, the Beaux-Arts movement proponent is also an urban planner.
7. "Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness" - Frank Owen Gehry
Alongside other celebrities in different industries, the Canadian-born American architect is offering online master class for architecture. This particular quote from him speaks to me about staying in your own 'truth' and being still to the age where and when the building is erected.
6. "I had to choose between an honest arrogance and a hypercritical humility... I deliberately choose an honest arrogance, and I've never been sorry." - Frank Lloyd Wright
This saying from the 'Falling Water' architect is also applicable in life decisions. There is no need to sugarcoat or rely on people approval, we cannot please everybody anyway.
5. "The job of the architect today is to create beautiful buildings. That's all." -Philip Johnson
Well known for his passion in Modern architecture. The power of 'being in the now' focusing all design considerations to current state makes bold designs and firm decisions.
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4. "Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space... On the one hand it's about shelter, but it's also about pleasure." - Zaha Hadid
The only rose among the thorns I have on this list. The British Iraqi architect is the first woman receiver of Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. I interpret her dictum with arisal of WELL Building Standards and Certification, that is focusing more on people welfare criteria rather than the building itself.
3. "There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners." - Antonio Gaudi
Records show the Spanish architect as greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. But for me, he is epitome of Biommicry where concept of designs are derived from nature. Honestly speaking I too consider his works as one of a kind.
2. "When we build, let us think that we build forever." - John Ruskin
This has so much to say about responsible design. With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals requires responsibility in manufacturing materials used in construction. The longer the structure will last, the lesser carbon footprint it will emit.
1. "When you're talking about building a house, you're talking about dreams." -Robert Arthur Morton Stern
Founding partner of RAMSA architecture firm, the New York based architect is former Yale School of Architecture Dean. His quote conveys deep meaning for me and my personal inspiration in building my website to reach more people and help convert dreams into reality.
And those were my 10 of the most favorite quotes from famous architects. Which were your favorite? Feel free to comment it below and leave a heart if you like.
Remember to be kind to yourself and to one another. Stay safe and stay relevant.