Sometimes I have to accept a job I don't really want. Hardly anybody comes up to you with a commission; it's all competitions these days.

Quote by Helmut Jahn

Topics: Helmut Jahn Quotes

The architecture profession has lost a lot of its integrity, especially in the USA. The...

The architecture profession has lost a lot of its integrity, especially in the USA. The...

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.

Most architects say: I want to use this type of glass, even if it's too...

Most architects say: I want to use this type of glass, even if it's too...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

You don't know what the Chinese expect in the way of beauty. The presentation is...

You don't know what the Chinese expect in the way of beauty. The presentation is...

German and English firms operate internationally, while French firms do not. The only place where...

German and English firms operate internationally, while French firms do not. The only place where...

I've never looked at a suburban building as being a minor building and an urban...

I've never looked at a suburban building as being a minor building and an urban...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

Every building is a prototype. No two are alike.

Every building is a prototype. No two are alike.

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...