Creativity has more to do with the elimination of the inessential than with inventing something new.

Quote by Helmut Jahn

Topics: Helmut Jahn Quotes

In Europe, architects consider themselves artists. They think they're special when they win a competition.

In Europe, architects consider themselves artists. They think they're special when they win a competition.

The American attitude towards efficiency and execution should always underlie architecture.

The American attitude towards efficiency and execution should always underlie architecture.

A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the...

A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the...

In Europe, they're more demanding, the ones that rent the build ings.

In Europe, they're more demanding, the ones that rent the build ings.

We prefer synthetic rather than natural materials. Natural products are almost too valuable. Wood is...

We prefer synthetic rather than natural materials. Natural products are almost too valuable. Wood is...

Higher ceilings allow the use indirect lighting, which is much healthier and reduces glare.

Higher ceilings allow the use indirect lighting, which is much healthier and reduces glare.

Chinese buildings are like American buildings, with big footprints. People don't care about daylight or...

Chinese buildings are like American buildings, with big footprints. People don't care about daylight or...

A building is hard to judge. It takes many years to find out whether it...

A building is hard to judge. It takes many years to find out whether it...

Every building is a prototype. No two are alike.

Every building is a prototype. No two are alike.

Transparency is not the same as looking straight through a building: it's not just a...

Transparency is not the same as looking straight through a building: it's not just a...

When I came to America in the '60s, it was the place to be. I...

When I came to America in the '60s, it was the place to be. I...

When I think of some of my earlier work, it really seems a fortunate coincidence...

When I think of some of my earlier work, it really seems a fortunate coincidence...

Sometimes I have to accept a job I don't really want. Hardly anybody comes up...

Sometimes I have to accept a job I don't really want. Hardly anybody comes up...

It's my goal to make a building as immaterial as possible. Architecture is a very...

It's my goal to make a building as immaterial as possible. Architecture is a very...

We are creating a unique experience. It's starts with how you see the building from...

We are creating a unique experience. It's starts with how you see the building from...

Critics are entitled to have an opinion, but how can they judge how comfortable a...

Critics are entitled to have an opinion, but how can they judge how comfortable a...

I wanted to improve the suburban office building; to create a great urban space in...

I wanted to improve the suburban office building; to create a great urban space in...

America has always imported history.

America has always imported history.

You'd never think of taking a cab if you had to walk a mile down...

You'd never think of taking a cab if you had to walk a mile down...

I strive for an architecture from which nothing can be taken away.

I strive for an architecture from which nothing can be taken away.