It was such a depressing time. I didn't look very depressed, maybe, but it was really dire. I made a conscious decision not to stop, but it could have gone the other way.

One has to strive for a very open liberal society.

People say I design architectural icons. If I design a building and it becomes an icon, that's ok.

For many years, I hated nature. As a student, I refused to put a plant anywhere - a living plant, that is. Dead plants were OK.

Architecture is like writing. You have to edit it over and over so it looks effortless

I have been interested in fashion since I was a kid. Then I lived in London, where it was more about costume and a personal statement of who you are than about fashion.

I have always appreciated those who dare to experiment with materials and proportions.