---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist…"
description: "\"In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist, but I look everywhere for my solutions. I don't study the toilet-living habits of my clients, although that's..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/philip-johnson-10392_approach_in-my-own-work-i-d-say-i-m-a-classicist_2228753.png"
---

#  In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist, but I look…

![“In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist, but I look everywhere for my solutions. I don't study the toilet-living habits of my clients, although that's a popular approach. First, I think of every building in history that has been similar in purpose. Then I think of the functional program - that's…” quote by Philip Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/philip-johnson-10392_approach_in-my-own-work-i-d-say-i-m-a-classicist_2228753.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/philip-johnson-10392_approach_in-my-own-work-i-d-say-i-m-a-classicist_2228753.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31a/philip-johnson-10392_approach_in-my-own-work-i-d-say-i-m-a-classicist_2228753.png)

> “In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist, but I look everywhere for my solutions. I don't study the toilet-living habits of my clients, although that's a popular approach. First, I think of every building in history that has been similar in purpose. Then I think of the functional program - that's a major part of the study.”

[Philip Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-johnson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He blends classical study with broad research, seeking historical precedents and functional needs for each project.

**In simple terms:** Combines classic study with wide research for design.

Key Takeaway

Use history and function together.

Themes

architecture history design function research

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

inspirational practical

When to use this quote

- building design
- urban planning
- renovation
- adaptive reuse

Key Concepts

classicism contextual analysis functional program

Questions to Reflect On

- How can modern technology complement historical references?
- What balance between tradition and innovation works best?

A Different Perspective

May overlook innovative contemporary solutions.

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[Approach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/approach/) [Classicists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/classicists/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Habit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habit/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/)

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