Building Quote by Shigeru Ban
“For me, there's no difference between what's temporary and what's definitive. I built the church in Kobe, which was supposed to be temporary, and people liked it so much that there's a version of it still there today - unlike some concrete buildings that were just built for money and that can be destroyed from one day to the next. Concrete can be very fragile during earthquakes.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Architectural Talk, 2015
Temporary structures can become lasting symbols when they resonate with people, unlike profit‑driven concrete that may be fragile.
In simple terms: Buildings meant to be short‑term can endure if they connect with users.
Key Takeaway
Design with purpose, not just profit.
Themes
architecture
temporality
community
resilience
materiality
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
architectural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- disaster relief shelters
- community centers
Key Concepts
sustainability
human‑centered design
social impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How does purpose affect a building’s longevity?
- What materials balance impermanence and durability?
A Different Perspective
Temporary buildings may still face structural limits over time.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
