The difference between a builder and an architect is that an architect also cares about desire, about dreams.
Renzo PianoRead
There is something about giving everything to your profession. In Italian, an obsession is not necessarily negative. It's the art of putting all your energy into one thing; it's the art of transforming even what you eat for lunch into architecture.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of dedication and passion for one's profession, suggesting that true obsession can lead to artistic mastery.
Renzo Piano's quote suggests that when one truly dedicates themselves to their profession, they can elevate even the simplest aspects of life into an art form. He implies that obsession, typically viewed negatively, can actually be a powerful force in creativity and excellence, as it drives a person to transform every detail into a work of art, highlighting the interconnectedness of life and one's craft.
Themes
DedicationObsessionArtProfessionPassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing your dreams, this quote could inspire aspiring architects.
More from Renzo Piano
All quotes →You have to accept as an architect to be exposed to criticism. Architecture should not rely on full harmony.
Renzo PianoRead
I don't like the idea that the first preparation when you start to design your building has to put your label. I think this is not fair. It's not fair to the building or to the people, to the client, because every building tells a different story.
Renzo PianoRead
I came to architecture from building. Because my father was a builder, everybody was - and is - a builder in my family.
Renzo PianoRead
When you design a building, you start from a general philosophy, and you come down, and you start from detail and come up. Only the theoretical architect believes that you can make the concept and then sometime, somebody will come to build it.
Renzo PianoRead
In architecture you should live for 150 years, because you have to learn in the first 75 years.
Renzo PianoRead
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