John C. Portman, Jr. Professions : Architect Born : December 4, 1924 Browse All Authors Top 5 quotes by John C. Portman, Jr. We must learn to understand humanity better so that we can create an environment that is more beneficial to people, more rewarding, more pleasant to experience. John C. Portman, Jr. environment humanity people Buildings should serve people, not the other way around. John C. Portman, Jr. architecture people way Architecture is not a private affair; even a house must serve a whole family and its friends, and most buildings are used by everybody, people of all walks of life. If a building is to meet the needs of all the people, the architect must look for some common ground of understanding and experience. John C. Portman, Jr. understanding house people It is through accomplishment that man makes his contribution and contribution is life's greatest reward. John C. Portman, Jr. rewards accomplishment men Architects in the past have tended to concentrate their attention on the building as a static object. I believe dynamics are more important: the dynamics of people, their interaction with spaces and environmental condition. John C. Portman, Jr. space believe past Similar Authors Ben van Berkel architect Bruno Zevi architect Bruno Freschi architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin architect Arthur Erickson architect Arne Jacobsen architect All Authors