Walter Gropius quotes

Architecture begins where engineering ends. (Walter Gropius)
A modern, harmonic and lively architecture is the visible sign of an authentic democracy. View quote
Walter Gropius
Art itself cannot be taught, but craftsmanship can. Architects, painters, sculptors are all craftsmen in the original sense of the word. Thus it is a fundamental requirement of all artistic creativity that every student undergo a thorough training in the workshops of all branches of the crafts. View quote
Walter Gropius
The mind is like an umbrella - it functions best when open. View quote
Walter Gropius
If your contribution has been vital there will always be somebody to pick up where you left off, and that will be your claim to immortality. View quote
Walter Gropius
Our guiding principle was that design is neither an intellectual nor a material affair, but simply an integral part of the stuff of life, necessary for everyone in a civilized society. View quote
Walter Gropius
Only work which is the product of inner compulsion can have spiritual meaning. View quote
Walter Gropius
Specialists are people who always repeat the same mistakes. View quote
Walter Gropius
The ultimate goal of all visual artistic activity is construction! Architects, painters and sculptors must learn again to know and understand the multi-faceted form of building in its entirety as well as its parts. Only then will they of their own accord fill their works with the architectonic spirit they have lost in the art of the salon. Let us establish a new guild of craftsmen without the presumption of class distinctions building a wall of arrogance between craftsmen and artists. Together let us call for, devise and create the construction of the future, comprising everything in one form: architecture, sculpture and painting. View quote
Walter Gropius