Access Quote by Philippe Petit
“Notre Dame and Sydney - that was nothing. Notre Dame doesn't have a police station; it is not 1,000 or so feet high. It was a public structure, very easy to access. And Sydney Harbour Bridge was half-and-half: a bridge, in the middle of the night. The World Trade Center was the end of the world. Electronic devices, police dogs.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Highwire, Philippe Petit, 2005
The comparison highlights how accessibility and openness affect perceived security and impact of structures.
In simple terms: Open, accessible places feel less safe but more connected.
Design spaces that balance openness with safety.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- city planning
- event security
- public art installations
- crowd management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance of openness and security best serves community needs?
- How does perceived safety shape public behavior?
Too much openness can invite danger; too much security can alienate.