Animated Quote by Emile Argand
“The volumes, the surfaces, the lines-in one word, the structures that build a tectonic construction-do not represent the whole picture: there is also the movement that animated and still animates these bodies because the history continues and we live under no particular privileged conditions at any given time in this great process.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Architectural Theory, 1970s
The quote stresses that structures alone are insufficient; movement and historical context complete understanding.
In simple terms: Structures need movement and history to be fully understood.
Consider both form and context.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- museum design
- historical analysis
- educational curricula
- art criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does movement alter your perception of a building?
- What historical forces shape current structures?
Neglecting static form can mislead analysis.