I strive for an architecture from which nothing can be taken away.

German and English firms operate internationally, while French firms do not. The only place where they all have work is in China. Anybody can sell himself in China!

It's my goal to make a building as immaterial as possible. Architecture is a very material thing. It takes a lot of resources, so why not eliminate what you don't need as long as you're able to achieve the same result?

The architecture profession has lost a lot of its integrity, especially in the USA. The general architect here has no scruples, no ambitions.

America has always imported history.

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.

A building is hard to judge. It takes many years to find out whether it works. It's not as simple as asking the people in the office whether they like it.