What is the thread of western civilization that distinguished its course in history? It has to do with the preoccupation of western man with his outward command and his sense of superiority.

We find Japan a little more difficult to understand because it has proven its 20th century prowess though the ancient traditions still persist.

With production alone as the goal, industry in North America was dominated by the assembly line, standardization for mass consumption.

The Achilles Heel of the Americas was the lack of cultural confidence typical of new settlers.

We can appreciate but not really understand the medieval town. We cannot comprehend its compactness, the contiguity of all its buildings as a single uninterrupted whole.

Illusion is needed to disguise the emptiness within.

The details are the very source of expression in architecture. But we are caught in a vice between art and the bottom line.