Form follows profit is the aesthetic principle of our times.
Richard RogersRead
Architects design buildings; that's what we do, so we have to go with the flow; and, even though I'm still an old Leftie, global capitalism does have its good side. It's broken down barriers - the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union - it's raised a lot of people up economically, and for architects, it has meant that we can work around the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the balance architects must maintain between personal beliefs and the benefits of global capitalism.
Richard Rogers highlights the duality of an architect's role within the context of global capitalism. While he identifies as an old Leftist, he acknowledges that global capitalism has led to positive outcomes, such as the dismantling of political barriers and economic upliftment for many. This broader economic framework allows architects to operate internationally, thus enriching their profession and enabling greater collaboration and creativity in design.
Themes
ArchitectureCapitalismDesignGlobalizationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation on international architectural trends, this quote could highlight the importance of adaptability in a globalized economy.
More from Richard Rogers
All quotes →I love cities, I spend most of my life talking about cities. And the design of cities does have an effect on your life. You're lucky if you can see trees out of your window and you have a square nearby, or a bar, a cornershop, a surgery. Then you're living well.
Richard RogersRead
A greater focus on design in all new homes would make the best use of land, create homes and public spaces, and reinforce the structures of urban life.
Richard RogersRead
My passion and great enjoyment for architecture, and the reason the older I get the more I enjoy it, is because I believe we - architects - can effect the quality of life of the people.
Richard RogersRead
The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.
Richard RogersRead
When I started out, nearly every architect I knew was working in public practice; that's where the radical thinking was done. But, there's always a danger of looking back as our fathers did and saying, 'Things were better then.'
Richard RogersRead
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