Peter Zumthor Quotes

We refuse to recognize problems of form, but only problems of building. Form is not the aim of our work, but only the result. Form, by itself, does not exist. Form as an aim is formalism; and that we reject.

I love architecture.

Architecture is the reaching out for the truth.

I am involved in the architecture of space.

I think architecture has to be a gift.

Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.

Architecture is invention.

At a certain point, I just put the building and the art impulse together. I decided that building was a legitimate way to make sculpture.

To create architecture is to put in order. Put what in order? Function and objects.

If I weren't involved with food, I'd be working in architecture. Design is that critical to me.

I don't see any difference between architecture and engineering. It's the same profession.

Ah, to build, to build! That is the noblest art of all the arts. Painting and sculpture are but images, Are merely shadows cast by outward things On stone or canvas, having in themselves No separate existence. Architecture, Existing in itself, and not in seeming A something it is not, surpasses them As substance shadow.

Architecture is not about form

I am very interested in architecture. I've been asked if I'd ever direct, but me, I'd rather build. It's very similar to directing, because you get to walk among this piece of art, to live in it, be surrounded by it, which is just thrilling.

My interest in architecture has always been sculptural. Most of my photography is of architecture.

Not yesterday, not tomorrow, only today can be given form. Only this architecture creates.

The way of architecture is the quiet voice that underlies it and has guided it from the beginning.

Architecture begins when you place two bricks carefully together.

Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.

A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.

If you're lucky, and a building succeeds, the real product has many more dimensions than you can ever imagine. You have the sun, the light, the rain, the birds, the feel.

I like to play with architecture! It's my favorite game.

As an architect, you have to provide a shelter to enjoy art. And you have to love art. It's like when you make a concert hall. You must love music. This is the reason why you make the space, to enjoy music - making a space for art is the same thing.

Building is just skilled labor, I suppose. It's a lot of work. I don't mind other people building them, but the way things go together and are made is interesting to me; I like that a lot.

Speaking as a builder, if you start something, you must have a vision of the thing which arises from your instinct about preserving and enhancing what is there.