Every period had its style: why was it that our period was…
““Every period had its style: why was it that our period was the only one to be denied a style? By “style” was meant ornament. I said, “weep not. Behold! What makes our period so important is that it is incapable of producing new ornament. We have out-grown ornament, we have struggled through to a state without ornament. Behold, the time is at hand, fulfilment awaits us. Soon the streets of the cities will glow like white walls! Like Zion, the Holy City, the capital of heaven. It is then that fulfilment will have come.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that modern architecture should abandon decorative ornament because humanity has evolved beyond it, seeking purity and spiritual fulfillment.
In simple terms: Modern design should reject decoration, aiming for pure, unadorned forms.
Key Takeaway
Embrace simplicity and let function guide design.
Themes
architecture
modernism
spirituality
purity
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- building design
- cultural criticism
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
ornamentation
functionalism
aesthetic evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Is ornament ever necessary for communication?
- How does simplicity affect human experience?
A Different Perspective
Critics may argue that ornament can convey meaning and cultural identity.