I like ruins because what remains is not the total design, but the clarity of thought, the naked structure, the spirit of the thing.

Italy is full of historical buildings. And Europe holds a great history of philosophy from Greece until today. I read all those books and see these buildings, and I think of where I stand when I design my architecture.

At the same time, I would add that the American people have a lot of courage.

Japanese architecture is traditionally based on wooden structures that need renovating on a regular basis.

When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature - this very unique to Japan.

I hope America can also be the cultural leader of the world, and use this frontier spirit to lead and show others that we need courage to go places where we have not gone before.

You always want to try to make something new, and, of course, America is the world leader in economics today.