QuoteProject
I like ruins because what remains is not the total design, but the clarity of thought, the naked structure, the spirit of the thing.
Tadao Ando
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Ruins highlight the essence of a structure rather than its complete design.

In this quote, Tadao Ando expresses appreciation for ruins as they reveal the fundamental ideas and thoughts that went into their creation. Rather than showcasing the entirety of a design, ruins provide clarity and insight into the true spirit and purpose behind the original structure, allowing one to appreciate the underlying beauty and intention more deeply.

Themes

RuinsDesignClarityStructureSpiritEssence

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on architecture, I used this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding underlying concepts in design.

More from Tadao Ando

I think architecture becomes interesting when it has a double character, that is, when it is as simple as possible but, at the same time as complex as possible
Tadao AndoRead
I create enclosed spaces mainly by means of thick concrete walls. The primary reason is to create a place for the individual, a zone for oneself within society. When the external factors of a city's environment require the wall to be without openings, the interior must be especially full and satisfying.
Tadao AndoRead
I believe that architecture is fundamentally a public space where people can gather and communicate, think about the history, think about the lives of human beings, or the world.
Tadao AndoRead
All architecture has a public nature, I believe, so I would like to make a public space.
Tadao AndoRead
In the West there has always been the attempt to try make the religious building, whether it's a Medieval or Renaissance church, an eternal object for the celebration of God. The material chosen, such as stone, brick, or concrete, is meant to eternally preserve what is inside.
Tadao AndoRead
When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature - this very unique to Japan.
Tadao AndoRead

Similar quotes

We don't make music, it makes us
David ByrneRead
Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth.
John RuskinRead
My role 14 years ago in Richard III - that was the first time I played a bad guy and learned a lot about it - they have all the fun!
Denzel WashingtonRead
The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.
Vincent Van GoghRead
The emotion of beauty is always obscured by the appearance of the object. Therefore, the object must be eliminated from the picture.
Piet MondrianRead
When I say artist I mean the man who is building things - creating molding the earth - whether it be the plains of the west - or the iron ore of Penn. It's all a big game of construction - some with a brush - some with a shovel - some choose a pen.
Jackson PollockRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.