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About this quote

What does it mean?
Architecture is about how people move through space over time, not just static shapes.
In plain terms
Buildings are for moving through, not just looking at.
What can you take from it?
Design for how people move and experience space.

Where it applies

  • building planning
  • public spaces
  • museum design

Putting it to work

  • plan for foot traffic
  • create journey sequences

Questions to consider

  • How does movement change design?
  • Is architecture art or utility?

Another view

Static visual impact is still important to many.

More from Philip Johnson

  1. I would rather stay in Chartres Cathedral with the nearest toilet two blocks away, than in a Harvard house with back-to-back bathrooms.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. On architects being known for long life spans: Of course they live long -- they have a chance to act out all their aggressions.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. The job of the architect today is to create beautiful buildings. That's all.

    Permalink to quote #11

Related quotes

  1. Space. The continual becoming: invisible fountain from which all rhythms flow and to which they must pass. Beyond time or infinity.

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  2. Architecture is the art of how to waste space.

    Philip JohnsonPhilip Johnson quote #2
  3. Architecture is basically the design of interiors, the art of organizing interior space.

    Philip JohnsonPhilip Johnson quote #3