Architecture Quote by Jonathan Meades
“At any point in the world's history most architecture is going to be bad but I think there's been a collective mentality since the late Conservative years - the end of Thatcher/start of Major and certainly continued throughout New Labour and continuing now - that new is necessarily better, so there is this neophilia which isn't the vanguard of progress, it's just the vanguard of the construction industry enjoying itself.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The New Architecture of Britain”, 1990s
He critiques the belief that newer architecture is inherently superior, noting a cultural trend that equates novelty with progress, which he sees as driven by the construction industry rather than true innovation.
In simple terms: New buildings aren’t always better; novelty isn’t progress.
Key Takeaway
Beware of assuming newer equals better.
Themes
architecture criticism
cultural trends
progress myths
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- building design
- heritage preservation
- policy making
Key Concepts
modernism
neophilia
industry influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria truly define architectural progress?
- How can we balance novelty with lasting value?
A Different Perspective
Innovation can be superficial, serving industry interests over societal benefit.
![“I don't think things necessarily should have a meaning. If stuff has a meaning then why do [writing] about it? If you're trying to say, 'Tall buildings are great' why not just leave it at that: "Tall buildings are great."” quote by Jonathan Meades](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/75f/jonathan-meades-15966_building_i-don-t-think-things-necessarily-should_714145.jpg)
