Helmut Jahn
Helmut Jahn
Helmut Jahnis a German-American architect, well known for designs such as the US$800 million Sony Center on the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, the Messeturm in Frankfurt and the One Liberty Place, formerly the tallest building in Philadelphia, and Suvarnabhumi Airport, an international airport in Bangkok, Thailand...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionArchitect
Date of Birth4 January 1940
CountryGermany
thinking coincidence working-it
When I think of some of my earlier work, it really seems a fortunate coincidence that I succeeded.
thinking drawing vices
For me, drawing generates thinking and vice versa.
exercise feel-better thinking
I find if my body feels well and I exercise regularly, I think better, work better and feel better.
winning thinking artist
In Europe, architects consider themselves artists. They think they're special when they win a competition.
thinking young-generation people
I think the younger generation, the people poised to dominate the workforce, are more socially conscious. They are more demanding in terms of environment and how that environment contributes to their life.
thinking cities michigan
You'd never think of taking a cab if you had to walk a mile down Chicago's Michigan Avenue. But in a bad city you take a cab just to go around the corner.
thinking reverse propose
A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes.
afford buy car certain clothes drive money nice spent travel
I used to buy nice clothes and drive a nice car when I couldn't afford it. But I spent all my money doing it, and now I don't have to. I like nice things. I like to travel in a certain style. I like to live in a nice place.
fun
For me, though, the fun is over when I get the job.
consider guy works
I don't consider myself a star or a celebrity. I'm a simple guy who works a lot.
machine work
We want our buildings to work like a machine that will create a pleasurable environment.
next prepared success
Success on one project does not necessarily mean success in the next project. You've got to be prepared in everything you do.
developer skyscraper terms whom
I think there will be a 200-story skyscraper someday. However, it will require a developer who will not think in conventional terms and for whom economic restraints won't apply.
endeavor takes totally work
When I work, I work very hard. When I don't work, I have to do something where my endeavor can totally take me off what I do professionally, like sailing. It takes all your attention.