The sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building.
Louis KahnRead
Architecture is the reaching out for the truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Architecture seeks to uncover and express deeper truths about human experience and the environment.
In this quote, Louis Kahn emphasizes that architecture goes beyond mere construction; it is an art form driven by the desire to discover and convey fundamental truths. It suggests that through the design and creation of spaces, architects have the opportunity to express profound insights about humanity, nature, and existence, ultimately creating environments that resonate with truth and meaning.
Themes
ArchitectureTruthDesignArtHuman Experience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about sustainable design, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of creating spaces that reflect environmental truths.
More from Louis Kahn
All quotes βI sense a Threshold: Light to Silence, Silence to Light - an ambiance of inspiration, in which the desire to be, to express, crosses with the possible Light to Silence, Silence to Light crosses in the sanctuary of art.
Louis KahnRead
Greek architecture taught me that the column is where the light is not, and the space between is where the light is. It is a matter of no-light, light, no-light, light. A column and a column brings light between them. To make a column which grows out of the wall and which makes its own rhythm of no-light, light, no-light, light: that is the marvel of the artist.
Louis KahnRead
The room is the beginning of architecture.
Louis KahnRead
The creation of art is not the fulfillment of a need but the creation of a need. The world never needed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony until he created it. Now we could not live without it.
Louis KahnRead
We are born of light. The seasons are felt through light. We only know the world as it is evoked by light.
Louis KahnRead
Similar quotes
You have to have a sound that inspires you to play because, if not, you won't be able to make the sound you have work. You won't be able to make magic with it if you're not happy with it, so it's important that you at least please yourself to the level where you can just relax and be an artist.
Joe SatrianiRead
What do I ask of a painting? I ask it to astonish, disturb, seduce, convince.
Lucian FreudRead
When I stand before a canvas, I never know what I'll do, and I am the first one surprised at what comes out.
Joan MiroRead
I was the first critic ever to win a Tony - for co-authoring 'Elaine Stritch at Liberty.' Criticism is a life without risk; the critic is risking his opinion, the maker is risking his life. It's a humbling thought but important for the critic to keep it in mind - a thought he can only know if he's made something himself.
John LahrRead
The important thing is not the camera but the eye.
Alfred EisenstaedtRead
Fundamental accuracy of statement is the ONE sole morality of writing.
Ezra PoundRead