I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value.
I. M. PeiRead
Contemporary architects tend to impose modernity on something. There is a certain concern for history but it’s not very deep. I understand that time has changed, we have evolved. But I don’t want to forget the beginning. A lasting architecture has to have roots.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of historical context in modern architecture.
I. M. Pei suggests that while contemporary architects often prioritize modern design, they should not overlook the significance of history and the roots of architectural evolution. He argues that lasting architecture must connect to its historical origins to maintain depth and meaning.
In practice
In a speech about urban development, one could use this quote to advocate for the integration of historical elements in new buildings.
I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value.
It is insufficient for architecture today to directly implement an existing building typology; it instead requires architects to carefully examine the whole area with new interventions and programmatic typologies
I don't know why people hire architects and then tell them what to do.
Buildings are 'humane' only when they promote peaceful human co-existence.
A building should appear to grow easily from its site and be shaped to harmonize with its surroundings if Nature is manifest there.
We try to make buildings last long and be resilient but also be not so idiosyncratic that they can't change.
We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.
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