Just like a comedian has a certain joke or a jazz musician has a riff that they know will get the crowd, a tap dancer always has a step.
The first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter; in other words, to separate the microclimate from the macro space outside. This in itself is a sacred act. Architecture in itself conveys this idea of limiting space. It's a limit between the finite and the infinite. From this point of view, all architecture is sacred.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Architecture defines and limits spaces, creating a sacred boundary between different environments.
Mario Botta's quote reflects on the fundamental act of architecture as one that defines boundaries, separating distinct areas and creating spaces that are sacred. By emphasizing the importance of this separation, he highlights how architecture not only serves a functional purpose but also embodies a deeper philosophical understanding of finite and infinite spaces, suggesting that the act of defining space is an essential and revered aspect of architectural practice.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about sustainable architecture, this quote can emphasize the importance of creating meaningful spaces.
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