Thomas Heatherwick Quotes

The building's identity resided in the ornament.

I'm not an architectural composer.

To be an architect is to possess an individual voice speaking a generally understood language of form.

We used to build temples, and museums are about as close as secular society dares to go in facing up to the idea that a good building can change your life (and a bad one ruin it).

All architecture, which does not express serenity, fails in its spiritual mission. Thus, it has been a mistake to abandon the shelter of walls for the inclemency of large areas of glass.

Let's put it this way: One can be happy or unhappy in a building. But some buildings make us more depressed than others.

Architecture falls between art and airports. It's pragmatic-it helps you get from point A to point B. But it also works as art. It makes you think twice. It inspires you. It brings you back to yourself.

The idea for a building or an object can come up just as quick, but there is a big difference in process.

Architecture is essentially Human; it is the Human spirit manifesting itself. For when a Man builds, there, you've got him; you know exactly what, who and how that Man is.

A proper building grows naturally, logically, and poetically out of all its conditions.

In order to design buildings with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction.

That's what you have to find in architecture. You have to find your signature. When you find it, you're the only expert on it. People can say they like it or don't like it. They can argue about it, but it's yours.

The architect is not only the director, but he is the composer. And, as a composer, the architect brings a sense of creativity to each building.

I think the biggest problem with 'industrial' architecture is that it's lost its sense of humanity. Minimalist stuff drains all the humanity out of it. That idea works great for the money thing, but it doesn't work great for the feeling thing.

The responsibility of an architect is to create a sense of order, a sense of place, a sense of relationship.

It's going to sound strange probably. But I really like Frank Gehry's works.

Concepts differentiate architecture from mere building...A bicycle shed with a concept is architecture; a cathedral without one is just a building.

François Mitterrand was a student of architecture, he had done a lot of research before he called me. He said, "You did something special at the National Gallery of Art in Washington - you brought the new and the old together." But John Russell Pope finished the West Building in 1941, so when the East Building opened it was only about 40 years old. But the Louvre is 800 years old! A much bigger design challenge.

I always look for nature or natural lighting within buildings and within rooms that has been done by somebody else to suit their needs. I look at it very closely as a photographic thing, then enhance it.

My architecture is easy to understand. And enjoy. I hope it also is hard to forget.

The relative majesty of buildings depends more on the weight and vigour of their masses than any other tribute of their design.

In all matters but particularly in architecture, that which is signified is the subject of which we may be speaking and that which gives significance is a demonstration on scientific principles. One who professes himself an architect should be well versed in both directions.

Frank Gehry for instance likes to imagine his buildings as sculptures. I like to imagine my sculptures as architectural.

Buildings have been made because of man.

To sum up the state of architecture in America: ninety percent of the buildings we live in and around aren't architecture. No, that's not right - 98 percent.