The most amazing lesson in aerodynamics I ever had was the day I climbed a thermal in a glider at the same time as an eagle. I witnessed, close up, effortlessness and lightness combined with strength, precision and determination.
Interpretation
The quote highlights a profound experience of observing the effortless flight of an eagle, symbolizing grace and determination in nature.
In this quote, Norman Foster reflects on an extraordinary moment when he shared the sky with an eagle while gliding. This experience allowed him to witness firsthand the harmony of strength and precision in the eagle's flight, demonstrating how nature embodies both effortlessness and determination. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and power found in the natural world, inspiring us to appreciate the lessons it can teach about resilience and grace.
In practice
During a nature documentary presentation.
We now think it hilarious that medieval streets were used as open sewers. Equally, our descendants will say: 'You won't believe this, but people were once allowed to hurl a couple of tons of dangerous metal around smashing into each other.'
As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.
Every time I've flown an aircraft, or visited a steelworks, or watched a panel-beater at work, I've learned something new that can be applied to buildings.
Everything we design is a response to the specific climate and culture of a particular place.
It takes a lot of effort to make a building look effortless.
Architecture is an expression of values.
If we are bold in our thinking, courageous in accepting new ideas, and willing to work with instead of against our land, we shall find in conservation farming an avenue to the greatest food production the world has ever known - not only for the war, but for the peace that is to follow.
Next to the laborer in the fields, the walker holds the closest relation to the soil; and he holds a closer and more vital relation to nature because he is freer and his mind more at leisure.
Only nature knows how to justly proportion to the fault the punishment it deserves.
If I'm not on tour or in the studio, I'm in nature somewhere, usually some kind of ocean. Playing music has afforded me that. It's not lost on me that it's a tremendous opportunity to be able to spend your life being surrounded by nature.
An intense copper calm, like a universal yellow lotus, was more and more unfolding its noiseless measureless leaves upon the sea.
The sea is not a bargain basement.
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