The sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building.
Louis KahnRead
Every building must have... its own soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every structure holds a unique character that defines its essence.
Louis Kahn's quote emphasizes the idea that architecture is not merely about functionality or aesthetics, but also about the spirit and identity of the building itself. He suggests that every building has its own soul, which reflects the values, culture, and emotions associated with it, making architecture a profound expression of human experience.
Themes
ArchitectureSoulIdentityDesignSpirit
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about sustainable architecture, one could say, 'As Louis Kahn noted, every building must have its own soul, reminding us to embrace the spirit of our environment.'
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
Architecture is the reaching out for the truth.
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
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The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
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Every device there is in language is there to be used, if you will. Poets have got to enjoy themselves sometimes, and the twistings and convolutions of words, the inventions and contrivances, are all part of the joy that is part of the painful, voluntary work.
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And your eyes must do some raining if you're ever gonna grow / When crying don't help, you can't compose yourself / It's best to compose a poem, an honest verse of longing / Or a simple song of hope.
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There is poetry even in prose, in all the great prose which is not merely utilitarian or didactic: there exist poets who write in prose or at least in more or less apparent prose; millions of poets write verses which have no connection with poetry.
Eugenio MontaleRead