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

Humanity needs dreams to be able to survive the miseries of daily existence, even if only for an instant.

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

I had some good opportunities. I was lucky to have had the chance to do things differently. Architecture is about surprise.

My ambition has always been to reduce a building's support to a minimum. The more we diminish supporting structures, the more audacious and important the architecture is. That has been my life's work.

Architecture does not change anything. It's always on the side of the wealthy. The important thing is to believe that it can make life better.

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