I have always accepted and respected all other schools of architecture, from the chill and elemental structures of Mies van der Rohe to the imagination and delirium of Gaudi. I must design what pleases me in a way that is naturally linked to my roots and the country of my origin.

Of course, I have given my engineers some headaches over the years, but they go with me. I have always wanted my buildings to be as light as possible, to touch the ground gently, to swoop and soar, and to surprise.

Surprise is key in all art.

Life is more important than architecture.

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

The challenge of a cathedral is very good for architectural inventiveness.

We need to feel that life is important; we need that fantasy so we can live a little better.