The extraordinary ordinary

A good building gives a first impression of being simple and ordinary, in the usual sense of the word; but as you visit it further, it reveals its exceptional character, its strangeness and emotional power. The building does not seek a demonstrative visual effect; on second reading, it transpires as a very particular contemporary object. It produces maximum poetic impact with minimum visual effect, as it were.

The quality of a building does not come from demonstration and signs, but by its meaning within the landscape and ability to keep in the background. Ordinary architecture that is extraordinary—that is what I find interesting.