As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of considering history while designing for the present and the uncertainty of the future.
Norman Foster's quote reflects the role of an architect as someone who must navigate the complexities of time. They must draw from the architectural heritage of the past while creating structures that cater to current needs, all the while acknowledging that the future remains unpredictable. This artful balance requires both creativity and foresight, emphasizing that designs are not just functional but also evolve with society.
In practice
In a speech about innovative building designs, one might use this quote to highlight the role of an architect's vision.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
I believe black characters in fiction are still revolutionary, given our long history of erasure.
When we talk about music, we talk about our reaction to it. One person might say that music is so poetic, while another says it's all mathematics. Yet another might say it's about sensuality, and so on. That's all true. But music is not just one of these things. It's everything all at once.
A work of art is one through which the consciousness of the artist is able to give its emotions to anyone who is prepared to receive them. There is no such thing as bad art.
Writing is the delicate, difficult, and dangerous means of succeeding in avowing the unavowable.
The second-hand artist blindly following his sensei or sifu accepts his pattern. As a result, his action is and , more importantly, his thinking become mechanical. His responses become automatic, according to set patterns, making him narrow and limited.
Lets just say that I think any person who aspires, presumes, or feels the calling to be an artist has a built-in sense of duty.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.