1930s Quote by Joseph Rykwert
“If you look at the entrance halls of the skyscrapers of the 1920s and 1930s, they are very welcoming. They are public spaces with enormous amounts of display and marble and so on. They were havens off the street.”
About This Quote
Source Architecture: 1920s‑1930s Skyscraper Lobbies, Various Buildings
These grand lobbies were designed as welcoming public sanctuaries, offering refuge from the bustling streets.
In simple terms: Lobbies served as calm, public refuges.
Key Takeaway
Design spaces that invite and protect.
Themes
architecture
public space
refuge
urban design
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- office workers
- tourists
- urban planners
- students of architecture
Key Concepts
social interaction
psychology of space
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How can contemporary design recreate a sense of welcome?
- What elements make a space feel safe?
A Different Perspective
Modern open‑plan offices can feel impersonal, lacking the same sense of sanctuary.
![“I think anything that gets people outside [is good] - I'm a big supporter of public parks and public spaces.” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ff5/anne-waldman-4046_beach_i-think-anything-that-gets-people-outsid_460472.jpg)
