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Great buildings that move the spirit have always been rare. In every case they are unique, poetic, products of the heart.
Arthur Erickson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Great architecture inspires and is often one-of-a-kind, rooted in deep emotional resonance.

Arthur Erickson emphasizes the rarity of buildings that truly elevate the human spirit, suggesting that such works of architecture are not only unique but also creations imbued with poetic qualities and heartfelt intention. These buildings stand out because they connect with our emotions and sense of beauty, transcending mere function to become art in their own right.

Themes

ArchitectureSpiritArtUniqueEmotion

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on innovation in design, one might reference this quote to illustrate the emotional impact of architecture.

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Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture. It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us.
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