Christian de Portzamparc Quotes

In the ’60s when I was a student, there was this campaign to destroy 75 percent of the old buildings in Paris, replacing them with modern architecture. I realized this as a dangerous utopia. This modern vision did not understand the richness of the city. Thankfully, such destruction did not happen.

– Christian de Portzamparc

We need to rediscover the essence of the meaning of ‘the use.’ Architecture is, above all, here for a better living. Every gesture, every shape must be justified by various reasons that would reinforce their reason to be, their use, and will give more sense to their beauty.

– Christian de Portzamparc

When I am true to my inspiration, even fight for my design, the project always turns out well.

– Christian de Portzamparc

Architecture has a strong link with the movies in terms of time progression, sequencing, framing, all of that.

– Christian de Portzamparc

An architect must remember that the people working or living in his building need space – to dream, to be quiet, to find beauty somewhere.

– Christian de Portzamparc

When I was 18, I lived in Greenwich Village, New York, for nine months. At that time, I wanted to change the world, not through architecture, but through painting. I lived the artist’s life, mingling with poets and writers, and working as a waiter. I was intrigued by the aliveness of the city.

– Christian de Portzamparc