When I came to America in the '60s, it was the place to be. I wonder if I'd come here today. Helmut Jahn More Quotes by Helmut Jahn More Quotes From Helmut Jahn I strive for an architecture from which nothing can be taken away. Helmut Jahn strive architecture taken Every building is a prototype. No two are alike. Helmut Jahn building architecture two A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes. Helmut Jahn propose reverse thinking A building is hard to judge. It takes many years to find out whether it works. It's not as simple as asking the people in the office whether they like it. Helmut Jahn simple people years Creativity has more to do with the elimination of the inessential than with inventing something new. Helmut Jahn elimination creativity something-new Most architects say: I want to use this type of glass, even if it's too reflective or doesn't let enough light in. However, the use of a certain type of glass might change the comfort level. Helmut Jahn glasses light comfort We are creating a unique experience. It's starts with how you see the building from a distance. Helmut Jahn creating distance unique We prefer synthetic rather than natural materials. Natural products are almost too valuable. Wood is much harder to produce than metal. And metal is recyclable, while wood isn't. Helmut Jahn recycling woods natural A city building, you experience when you walk; a suburban building, you experience when you drive. Helmut Jahn building architecture cities America has always imported history. Helmut Jahn america I think the younger generation, the people poised to dominate the workforce, are more socially conscious. They are more demanding in terms of environment and how that environment contributes to their life. Helmut Jahn young-generation people thinking Transparency is not the same as looking straight through a building: it's not just a physical idea, it's also an intellectual one. Helmut Jahn inspiring inspirational ideas 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. Helmut Jahn competition up-to-you jobs It's my goal to make a building as immaterial as possible. Architecture is a very material thing. It takes a lot of resources, so why not eliminate what you don't need as long as you're able to achieve the same result? Helmut Jahn goal long needs The American attitude towards efficiency and execution should always underlie architecture. Helmut Jahn fuel-efficiency execution attitude I find if my body feels well and I exercise regularly, I think better, work better and feel better. Helmut Jahn feel-better exercise thinking Chinese buildings are like American buildings, with big footprints. People don't care about daylight or fresh air. Helmut Jahn chinese air people I've never looked at a suburban building as being a minor building and an urban building as being a major building. Helmut Jahn urban minors building You don't know what the Chinese expect in the way of beauty. The presentation is just a farce. You come into a room filled with 50 people and they don't talk to you. There's very little interaction. Helmut Jahn farce chinese people When I think of some of my earlier work, it really seems a fortunate coincidence that I succeeded. Helmut Jahn working-it coincidence thinking
