Architecture should be rooted in the past, but at the same time be a part of the present and focus on the future
Architecture has joined the world of fashion, but fashion goes and architecture is eternal
I think as an architect you need to understand the essence of the place and create a building that feels like it resonates with the culture of the place. So my buildings in India, Kansas City, Arkansas and Singapore are different because the places are very different
I want my buildings to take root and look like they've always been there. It is not about styling or imitating what is already there. It's about trying to mix the future and the past
I don't think I have a signature style that says, "This is Safdie." But I think star architects take the opportunity to go anywhere in the world to make silly buildings
I think the greatest pleasure is when the building opens and the public takes over, you cut the umbilical cord and see the building take on a life of its own
Architecture is not about creating the impossible, we can do it if we have enough money, tools and computers. It's about creating what's appropriate and achieving beauty through that approach
An artist, sculptor, writer can freely express their thoughts. They do not affect society in general. We build buildings that have a purpose, that stay there for hundreds of years or decades
Our idea of an ideal place to live combines conflicting desires. We want to live in a small community that we can identify with, and yet we want all the amenities of a city of a million people. We want to have a very intense city life and at the same time we want open space close to us
He who seeks truth will find beauty. He who seeks beauty will find vanity. He who seeks order will find satisfaction. The pleasure seeker will be disappointed. He who considers himself a servant of his fellowmen will find the joy of self-expression. He who seeks self-expression will fall into the pit of arrogance