Everything we design is a response to the specific climate and culture of a particular place.
Interpretation
Design is shaped by the local environment and societal influences.
This quote emphasizes that all design—whether in architecture, fashion, or any other field—is inherently influenced by the local climate and cultural context. It suggests that successful design should consider the unique characteristics of its surrounding environment and the people who will interact with it, ensuring that it resonates with the local context and community.
In practice
In a speech about sustainable architecture, one might say, 'As Norman Foster pointed out, everything we design is a response to the specific climate and culture of a particular place.'
We now think it hilarious that medieval streets were used as open sewers. Equally, our descendants will say: 'You won't believe this, but people were once allowed to hurl a couple of tons of dangerous metal around smashing into each other.'
As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.
Every time I've flown an aircraft, or visited a steelworks, or watched a panel-beater at work, I've learned something new that can be applied to buildings.
The most amazing lesson in aerodynamics I ever had was the day I climbed a thermal in a glider at the same time as an eagle. I witnessed, close up, effortlessness and lightness combined with strength, precision and determination.
It takes a lot of effort to make a building look effortless.
Architecture is an expression of values.
My perfect day is sitting in a room with some blank paper. That's heaven. That's gold, and anything else is just a waste of time.
I have always thought of myself as a painter derailed by circumstance.
As a young person, and I know it’s hard to believe that I was shy, but you could take your camera, and it would take you to places: it was like having a friend, like having someone to go out with and look at the world. I would do things with a camera I wouldn’t do normally if I was just by myself.
Compassion may be called the fundamental of all good art because it alone can tell you what other beings feel and experience. Only compassion severs the bonds of your personal limitations, and gives you deep access into the inner life of the character you study, without which you cannot properly prepare it for the stage
There is a majesty in simplicity.
What makes a good book? Scholars and critics have been debating that question for decades. I like books that touch my head and my heart at the same time.
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