Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness.
By: Frank Gehry
Imagine standing before a structure that whispers tales of the past, speaks loudly of the present, and still hums with the promise of the future. This is the essence of what the renowned architect Frank Gehry meant when he said, “Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness.” It’s a profound statement that captures the dynamic relationship between architecture and time. But what does it truly mean for a building to embody such a concept, and how can this philosophy extend beyond architecture into the fabric of our lives?
At its core, Gehry’s words challenge us to create with a sense of purpose, to design our lives and our work to not only reflect the era and environment we inhabit but also to strive for an enduring impact. It’s about leaving a legacy that outlives the fleeting trends and the ephemeral nature of time.
Just as architects lay down the first stone with an eye on the centuries to come, we too must lay the foundations of our lives with intention. Whether it’s through cultivating relationships, pursuing education, or building a career, the structures we create in our personal lives should be designed to withstand the test of time.
Consider the relationships we forge. Like the steel beams that support a skyscraper, the bonds we form with others should be strong and resilient. They should be nurtured with care, reinforced with trust, and designed to grow and adapt over time. When we invest in our relationships with the same dedication an architect pours into a blueprint, we construct a support system that not only serves us today but also becomes our legacy for tomorrow.
Education and continuous learning are akin to the architectural elements that give a building its unique character. Just as a building’s facade can inspire awe and wonder, the knowledge we acquire and the skills we develop can elevate our lives, making them rich and fulfilling. By committing to lifelong learning, we ensure that our personal edifice remains relevant and robust, capable of inspiring ourselves and others, no matter the changes that come with time.
Our careers, much like the grandest of monuments, are often the most visible symbols of our life’s work. They are the tangible manifestations of our skills, passions, and contributions to society. By approaching our professional endeavors with the same thoughtfulness as an architect considers a building’s function and form, we can create careers that not only satisfy our present needs but also stand as testaments to our dedication and vision.
Yet, while we build for the future, Gehry’s words remind us to remain grounded in the present, to respect the context in which we live. It’s a delicate balance, creating something that resonates with the here and now while also holding the potential to become timeless. This balance requires us to be fully engaged with our current environment, to understand the needs and values of our time, and to infuse our work with that understanding.
It’s about being present in the moment, savoring the experiences that life offers, and allowing those experiences to inform and shape our creations. Whether it’s a building that captures the spirit of an era or a life lived with authenticity and purpose, being present ensures that what we build is genuine and true to ourselves.
There’s a joy that comes with creation, a sense of fulfillment in knowing that what we’ve built has the potential to endure. It’s the happiness that arises from crafting something with our own hands and minds, something that speaks of who we are and what we value. And when we infuse our creations with joy, that happiness becomes a part of the legacy we leave behind.
So, let us take inspiration from the wisdom of Frank Gehry and apply it to our own lives. Let us build with purpose, design with passion, and create with joy. Let us construct our lives as masterpieces that speak of our time and place but yearn for timelessness.
In the grand design of things, we are all architects of our destiny. The structures we build, whether of brick and mortar or of dreams and aspirations, are the legacies we leave behind. By understanding the importance of creating something that resonates with the present and endures into the future, we can approach our lives with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Let’s build a world where every life is a monument to the timeless potential of human creativity and spirit.
Frank Gehry is a world-renowned Canadian-American architect known for his postmodern designs and innovative use of materials. Some of his most famous works include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California.
This quote by Frank Gehry suggests that while architecture should reflect the era and location in which it is built, it should also be designed with the ambition to remain relevant and admired throughout the ages.
Gehry’s philosophy can be applied to life by encouraging individuals to live with purpose, build lasting relationships, pursue continuous learning, and approach their careers with thoughtfulness and creativity, aiming to leave a lasting impact.
Building strong and resilient relationships is crucial because they provide support and stability in our lives, much like the structural elements of a building. These relationships help us navigate challenges and are part of the legacy we leave behind.
Continuous learning is compared to architectural elements because it adds depth and richness to our lives, enhancing our personal development and enabling us to adapt to change, just as unique design elements give a building its distinctive appeal.
We can create impactful careers by approaching our work with intention, aligning our professional goals with our passions, and continuously striving for excellence and innovation, much like an architect designs a building to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Being fully engaged with our current environment means being aware of and responsive to the present circumstances, needs, and values. It involves actively participating in the world around us and allowing those experiences to influence our actions and creations.
Joy is important in creation because it infuses our work with positive energy and fulfillment. When we create with joy, we are more likely to produce work that resonates with others and stands the test of time.
Yes, in a metaphorical sense, everyone can be considered an architect of their own destiny. We all have the power to make choices and take actions that shape the course of our lives, much like an architect designs and constructs a building.
By applying Gehry’s philosophy to our lives, we can leave behind a legacy of purposeful living, meaningful relationships, continuous growth, and creative contributions that have a lasting impact on the world and inspire future generations.
