The sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building.
Louis KahnRead
Every time a student walks past a really urgent, expressive piece of architecture that belongs to his college, it can help reassure him that he does have that mind, does have that soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Architecture can inspire and confirm a student's identity and capabilities.
This quote highlights the profound impact that architecture can have on students, suggesting that when they encounter inspiring and meaningful buildings, it reinforces their belief in their intellectual and emotional potential. The connection between the physical space of a college and the identity of its students is emphasized, indicating that architecture is not just a backdrop for education, but an active participant in shaping minds and souls.
Themes
ArchitectureStudentsIdentityInspirationCollege
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one could reflect on how the college's architecture inspired their journey.
More from Louis Kahn
All quotes →I 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
Similar quotes
The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race that they may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races.
W. E. B. Du BoisRead
The idea that the majority of students attend a university for an education independent of the degree and grades is a hypocrisy everyone is happier not to expose. Occasionally some students do arrive for an education but rote and mechanical nature of the institution soon converts them to a less idealic attitude
Robert M. PirsigRead
Am I learning how to use my Bible? The way to become complete for the Master’s service is to be well soaked in the Bible; some of us only exploit certain passages. Our Lord wants to give us continuous instruction out of His word; continuous instruction turns hearers into disciples.
Oswald ChambersRead
The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.
Pablo CasalsRead
I love writing about my job because I loved it, and it was a particularly interesting one when I was a young man. It was like holidays with pay to me.
James HerriotRead
The multitude of books is making us ignorant.
VoltaireRead