Though I love the arts with all my heart - paintings, sculpture, theatre, and music - and think they are among the biggest achievements we humans can do, I am really convinced that architecture is among the most important.
Santiago CalatravaRead
The architect works for so many years building it, and the moment you deliver it to the people is the moment when you are unnecessary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
An architect dedicates years to their creation, but the true value is realized only when it is handed over to the public.
This quote by Santiago Calatrava reflects on the paradox of an architect's role in the creative process. While architects invest a significant amount of time and effort into designing and constructing a building, the ultimate fulfillment comes when the structure is completed and made accessible to society. At that moment, the architect is no longer needed, as the building takes on a life of its own, serving its purpose independently of its creator.
Themes
ArchitectCreationBuildingDesignArt
In practice
Example use cases
In an architecture lecture discussing the role of architects in society.
More from Santiago Calatrava
All quotes →Building a bridge, in my opinion, is a symbolic gesture, linked with the needs of people who cross over it, and with the idea of overcoming or surmounting obstacles. A modern bridge can also be a work of art. It helps to shape our daily lives and becomes a vital experience for all the people who use it.
Santiago CalatravaRead
There is one way that architecture is superior to sculpture, and that is scale. You can walk into a building and have it all around you.
Santiago CalatravaRead
I paint and work as a sculptor, and I see architecture as an art... If you follow this approach you can use techniques to the service of man and to the service of an artistic idea, and beauty.
Santiago CalatravaRead
When I work on sculpture, I don't have to worry about function. When I work on a piece of architecture, I must think about function all the time.
Santiago CalatravaRead
Architecture is one of the art forms best able to improve and revitalise cities both artistically and functionally.
Santiago CalatravaRead
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