Welcome to our collection of insightful quotes by the renowned American architect Philip Johnson. As one of the most influential figures in the world of architecture throughout the 20th century, Johnson’s work and words have left an indelible mark on the field. With a career spanning over six decades, he not only shaped the physical landscape with his innovative designs but also contributed profound thoughts on the nature of architecture, design, and the built environment.
Philip Johnson’s philosophy on architecture was deeply rooted in his belief that buildings should not only serve functional purposes but should also evoke emotion, provoke thought, and reflect the cultural and societal context in which they exist. Through his designs, writings, and speeches, Johnson challenged conventions, embraced modernism, and pushed boundaries, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire architects and designers worldwide.
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Philip Johnson quotes that capture his unique perspective on architecture, creativity, and the world around us. Feel free to use these quotes to spark inspiration, adorn your projects, or simply gain insight into the mind of this visionary architect.
I like to be buttoned onto tradition. The thing is to improve it, twist it and mold it; to make something new of it; not to deny it. The riches of history can be plucked at any point. Philip Johnson
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
I haven’t any wisdom – just a child like everybody else. I’m not as great as Frank Lloyd Wright. Philip Johnson
If architects weren’t arrogant, they wouldn’t be architects. I don’t know a modest good architect. Philip Johnson
Maybe, just maybe, we shall at last come to care for the most important, most challenging, surely the most satisfying of all architectural creations: building cities for people to live in. Philip Johnson
Doing a house is so much harder than doing a skyscraper. Philip Johnson
I like the thought that what we are to do on this earth is embellish it for its greater beauty, so that oncoming generations can look back to the shapes we leave here and get the same thrill that I get in looking back at theirs – at the Parthenon, at Chartres Cathedral. Philip Johnson
Purpose is not necessary to make a building beautiful. Philip Johnson
Anybody can build a building, putting some doors into it, but how many times have you been in a building that moves you to tears the way Beethoven’s ‘Eighth’ does? Philip Johnson
How does an artist know when the line that he just painted is good or not good? That’s the catch. De Kooning was the greatest of my contemporaries in art, and he knew when he’d done a good line. When he didn’t, he threw it away. I wish I’d thrown away some of mine. Philip Johnson
I wouldn’t build a building if it wasn’t of interest to me as a potential work of art. Why should I? Philip Johnson
I hate vacations. If you can build buildings, why sit on the beach? Philip Johnson
Architecture is art, nothing else. Philip Johnson
All architects want to live beyond their deaths. Philip Johnson
There’s no such thing as old age. I’m no different now than I was 50 years ago. I’m just having more fun. Philip Johnson
You cannot not know history. Philip Johnson
I get between nine and ten hours of sleep. Go to bed at 8:30 and get up at 6:00 or 6:30 if I oversleep. Philip Johnson
Architecture is the art of how to waste space. Philip Johnson
I wish someone would ask me to design a cathedral. Philip Johnson
I always think of buildings in their settings, but so do other architects. Philip Johnson
I’m about four skyscrapers behind. Philip Johnson
Architecture is basically the design of interiors, the art of organizing interior space. Philip Johnson
Processionalism is primary – how you get from one place to another, the relationships and effects of spaces as you move about in them. That’s worked out awfully well in the State Theater. I’m a ‘straight-in’ man myself; I’m too nervous, I like to know where I am. I also like to know where I’m going. Philip Johnson
Houston is undoubtedly my showcase city. I saved all my best buildings for Houston. Philip Johnson
To me, the drive for monumentality is as inbred as the desire for food and sex, regardless of how we denigrate it. Monuments differ in different periods. Each age has its own. Philip Johnson
There’s only one reason for my whole life, and that’s art. Nothing else counts; nothing else gives me pleasure; nothing else gives me satisfaction. Philip Johnson
There’s no worse feeling than seeing my buildings and realizing the mistakes. Philip Johnson
Concrete you can mold, you can press it into – after all, you haven’t any straight lines in your body. Why should we have straight lines in our architecture? You’d be surprised when you go into a room that has no straight line – how marvelous it is that you can feel the walls talking back to you, as it were. Philip Johnson
Faith? Haven’t any. I’m not a nihilist or a relativist. I don’t believe in anything but change. I’m a Heraclitean – you can’t step in the same river twice. Philip Johnson
All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space. Philip Johnson
The first complete sentence out of my mouth was probably that line about consistency being the hobgoblin of small minds. Philip Johnson
I guess I can’t be a great architect. Great architects have a recognizable style. But if every building I did were the same, it would be pretty boring. Philip Johnson
I guess I want to make money just like other people, perhaps more than most people. Philip Johnson
I got everything from someone. Nobody can be original. Philip Johnson
The people with money to build today are corporations – they are our popes and Medicis. The sense of pride is why they build. Philip Johnson
Glibness will get your anywhere. Philip Johnson
It is wonderful to be in the country in a glass house, because no matter what happens out there, you’re nice and safe, you know, cuddled in your little bed, and there it is, raging storms, snowing – wonderful. Philip Johnson
I call myself a traditionalist, although I have fought against tradition all my life. Philip Johnson
The future of architecture is culture. Philip Johnson
Dullness is the enemy. Philip Johnson
Don’t build a glass house if you’re worried about saving money on heating. Philip Johnson
You’re going to change the world? Well, go ahead and try. You’ll give it up at a certain point and change yourself instead. Philip Johnson
I’m a chameleon, so changeable. I see myself as a gadfly and a questioner. Philip Johnson
I used to think that each phase of life was the end. But now that my view on life is more or less fixed, I believe that change is a great thing. In fact, it’s the only real absolute in the world. Philip Johnson