Skip to content

Who’s afraid of the big, bad buildings? Everyone, because…

“Who’s afraid of the big, bad buildings? Everyone, because there are so many things about gigantism that we just don’t know. The gamble of triumph or tragedy at this scale — and ultimately it is a gamble — demands an extraordinary payoff. The trade center towers could be the start of a new…” quote by Ada Louise Huxtable
Download Open image
“Who’s afraid of the big, bad buildings? Everyone, because there are so many things about gigantism that we just don’t know. The gamble of triumph or tragedy at this scale — and ultimately it is a gamble — demands an extraordinary payoff. The trade center towers could be the start of a new skyscraper age or the biggest tombstones in the world.”

Ada Louise Huxtable

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Large, unknown structures provoke fear because their scale and unknown purpose challenge human perception.

In simple terms: Big unknown buildings cause fear.

Key Takeaway

Recognize fear of scale and seek informed understanding.

Themes

architecture fear scale

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

critical analytical

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • real‑estate development
  • public safety
  • cultural heritage

Key Concepts

urbanism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do massive structures intimidate you?
  • How can design reduce perceived threat?
A Different Perspective

Fear can be amplified by media sensationalism.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ada Louise Huxtable

Explore all 46 Ada Louise Huxtable quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes