Arches Quote by Louis Kahn
“You say to a brick, 'What do you want, brick?' And brick says to you, 'I like an arch.' And you say to brick, 'Look, I want one, too, but arches are expensive and I can use a concrete lintel.' And then you say: 'What do you think of that, brick?' Brick says: 'I like an arch.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Louis Kahn on Architecture, 1970
The dialogue illustrates the tension between ideal design and practical constraints, emphasizing that materials have inherent preferences that should guide architects.
In simple terms: Materials have natural tendencies that should shape design choices.
Key Takeaway
Respect material instincts in design.
Themes
architecture
design
materiality
pragmatism
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- architectural planning
- budgeting
- structural decisions
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
form follows function
material agency
design negotiation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance aesthetic vision with practical limits?
- When should you adapt design to material preferences?
A Different Perspective
Ideal forms may be compromised by cost or feasibility.
