Architect Quote by Jonathan Meades
“In creating a building, architects do think they're making the world a better place. And then they hope to make the world an even better place by making another thing which will be even bigger than the last thing... and it is part of the pathology of being an architect to believe thus, and they do believe it, despite all the evidence to the contrary.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Architecture of the City, Jonathan Meades, 1995
Architects often believe each new project will improve the world, despite evidence that larger scale can cause problems.
In simple terms: Architects think bigger buildings make the world better, even when evidence says otherwise.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumption that bigger is better.
Themes
ambition
hubris
urbanism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
cautionary
reflective
When to use this quote
- city planning
- large‑scale construction
- policy making
- environmental impact
Key Concepts
scale
impact
sustainability
professional bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence challenges the “bigger is better” mindset?
- How can architects balance ambition with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
May overlook unintended negative consequences.
![“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)
