I see the Beijing National Stadium as an architectural project. I accepted Herzog and De Meuron's invitation to collaborate on the design, and our proposal won the competition. From beginning to end, I stayed with the project. I am committed to fostering relationships between a city and its architecture.

Say what you say plainly, and then take responsibility for it.

My image of what a city should be - the super-rich and all the poor and desperate and the people who have some kind of a desire. It's a surviving game, people trying to survive on many different levels.

You see so many people doing quite nice and respectful work, but nobody like Warhol. Warhol is outstanding. I think he has a value that is far from fully understood. He's very special for younger generations.

To express yourself needs a reason, but expressing yourself is the reason.

I think art is a very important weapon to achieve human freedom

The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.