When I start, my first idea for a building is with the material. I believe architecture is about that. It's not about paper, it's not about forms. It's about space and material. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I am convinced that a good building must be capable of absorbing the traces of human life and taking on a specific richness... I think of the patina of age on materials, of innumerable small scratches on surfaces, of varnish… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I think space, architectural space, is my thing. It's not about facade, elevation, making image, making money. My passion is creating space. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I grew up in a craftsman's home, where things were done with our own hands. I did cabinetmaking for four years and I hated… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
Architecture has its place in the concrete world. This is where it exists. This is where it makes its statement. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
When I concentrate on a specific site or place for which I am going to design a building, I try to plumb its depths,… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
My relationship to plants becomes closer and closer. They make me quiet; I like to be in their company. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
If you look at the Earth without architecture, its sometimes a little bit unpleasant. So there is this basic human need to do shelter… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
The first 10 years of my professional life had only to do with running away from my father. He was a wonderful cabinet-maker, and… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I've said goodbye to the overworked notion that architecture has to save the world. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
My buildings should have an emotional core –a space which, in itself, has an emotional nice feeling. — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I think the chance of finding beauty is higher if you don't work on it directly. Beauty in architecture is driven by practicality. This… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
I work anywhere between three and 10 years on a project, depending on the size. My lifetime is finite. Therefore, I have to look… — Peter Zumthor Copy Share Image
