Helmut Jahn quotes

Helmut Jahn was a prominent German architect recognized for his innovative and modern designs. His work includes iconic structures such as the Sony Center in Berlin and the Messeturm in Frankfurt. He contributed significantly to shaping the skylines of cities around the world. Here are 34 of his quotes:

A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes. (Helmut Jahn)
The architecture profession has lost a lot of its integrity, especially in the USA. The general architect here has no scruples, no ambitions. View quote
Helmut Jahn
Higher ceilings allow the use indirect lighting, which is much healthier and reduces glare. View quote
Helmut Jahn
I strive for an architecture from which nothing can be taken away. View quote
Helmut Jahn
Creativity has more to do with the elimination of the inessential than with inventing something new. View quote
Helmut Jahn
Every building is a prototype. No two are alike. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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. View quote
Helmut Jahn
A city building, you experience when you walk; a suburban building, you experience when you drive. View quote
Helmut Jahn
America has always imported history. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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)
I wanted to improve the suburban office building; to create a great urban space in a suburban environment with all that implies about interaction, collaboration and creativity. View quote
Helmut Jahn
Critics are entitled to have an opinion, but how can they judge how comfortable a building is? No critic is smart enough to judge how a building will perform over time. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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. View quote
Helmut Jahn
In Europe, architects consider themselves artists. They think they're special when they win a competition. View quote
Helmut Jahn
The American attitude towards efficiency and execution should always underlie architecture. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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. View quote
Helmut Jahn
When I think of some of my earlier work, it really seems a fortunate coincidence that I succeeded. View quote
Helmut Jahn
German and English firms operate internationally, while French firms do not. The only place where they all have work is in China. Anybody can sell himself in China! View quote
Helmut Jahn
Chinese buildings are like American buildings, with big footprints. People don't care about daylight or fresh air. View quote
Helmut Jahn
When I came to America in the '60s, it was the place to be. I wonder if I'd come here today. (Helmut Jahn)
Transparency is not the same as looking straight through a building: it's not just a physical idea, it's also an intellectual one. View quote
Helmut Jahn
I've never looked at a suburban building as being a minor building and an urban building as being a major building. View quote
Helmut Jahn
You'd never think of taking a cab if you had to walk a mile down Chicago's Michigan Avenue. But in a bad city you take a cab just to go around the corner. View quote
Helmut Jahn
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. View quote
Helmut Jahn

Helmut Jahn

Occupation: German Architect
Born: January 4, 1940
Died: May 8, 2021
Quotes count: 34