The time has come for writers, especially those who are artists, to admit that in this world one cannot make anything out, just as Socrates once admitted it, just as Voltaire admitted it.
I want my buildings to take root and look as if they've always been there. It isn't about pastiche or adapting what's already there. It's about trying to blend the future and the past.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of creating buildings that harmonize with their surroundings and reflect both history and modernity.
Moshe Safdie's quote highlights the architectural philosophy of designing structures that feel organic to their environment, suggesting that buildings should embody a timeless essence rather than merely replicate existing styles. The aim is to create spaces that respect the past while innovating for the future, ultimately resulting in a balanced coexistence of historical and contemporary influences.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech discussing sustainable architecture, one might say, 'As Moshe Safdie suggested, I want my buildings to take root and look as if they've always been there.'
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