quotes about art, architecture and other important things

a collection of quotes that I gathered over the years through my reading.  I don't necessarily agree with all of the ideas and opinions expressed herein but those that either provoked thought or tickled were included.

July 2014 - studio of Glenn Williams Architect NCARB

the utility of what is not

By | architectural theory, architecture, philosopher, poet | No Comments

“We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel; but it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the wheel depends.  We turn clay to make a vessel; but it is upon the space where there is nothing that the utility of the vessel depends.  We pierce doors and windows to make a house; and it is on these spaces where there is nothing that the utility of the house depends.  Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is, we should recognize the utility of what is not.” – – Lao Tse [believed to be a contemporary of Confucius during 5th century BC] ancient Chinese philosopher and poet

Laozi, depicted as Daode Tianzun

Laozi, depicted as Daode Tianzun

on focus

By | architect, architectural theory, architecture, author, educator, quotes on art and architecture | No Comments

“If architects focus only on compositional methods as means without ends, the ends will certainly be determined by forces outside of architecture – by those economic forces we find so prominent within the profession today, masquerading as ‘fashion’ and ‘style.” – –  Robert McCarter [b. about 1953] American architect, author and educator

Robert McCarter

Robert McCarter