For me beauty is valued more than anything - the beauty that is manifest in a curved line or in an act of creativity.

I search for surprise in my architecture. A work of art should cause the emotion of newness.

The rule is the worst thing. You just want to break it.

Life is very fleeting. It’s important to be gentle and optimistic. We look behind and think what we’ve done in this life has been good. It was simple; it was modest. Everyone creates their own story and moves on. That’s it. I don’t feel particularly important. What we create is not important. We’re very insignificant.

In architecture it isn't enough to just have the right building that works well. It can also be beautiful. It can also be different. It can create surprise. And surprise is the main thing in a work of art. [] I like and respect Brasí­lia very much. It is a simple city, a rational one. I always defend the urban design of Brasí­lia

It was the drawing that led me to architecture, the search for light and astonishing forms.

My architecture is easy to understand. And enjoy. I hope it also is hard to forget.