PE
Peter Eisenman
42quotes
Peter Eisenman
Full Name and Common Aliases
Peter Eisenman is an American architect and educator.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 29, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey; still active in his profession.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Architectural theorist, Educator
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Eisenman's early life was marked by an interest in art and design. He studied at Cornell University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1955. After completing his military service, Eisenman pursued his graduate studies at Harvard University.
Major Accomplishments
Eisenman is best known for his influential work on Deconstructivism, a postmodern architectural movement that emphasizes the disruption of traditional notions of form and function. His designs often feature complex, fragmented forms that challenge the viewer's perceptions of space and structure. Some notable projects include:
The Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio (1989)
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Germany (2005)
* The City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri (1997)
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his architectural designs, Eisenman has made significant contributions to the field of architectural theory and criticism. His book _Ten Books on Architecture_ (2008) is a comprehensive overview of contemporary architectural thought. As a educator, Eisenman has held various professorships at institutions such as Princeton University and Columbia University.
Impact and Legacy
Eisenman's innovative designs have had a lasting impact on the field of architecture. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 1998 Architecture Prize from the American Academy in Rome. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary architects, who have adopted his emphasis on complexity and fragmentation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eisenman's quotes often reflect his interest in challenging traditional notions of architecture. He has stated that "the city is not a machine for living, but a machine for dying," highlighting the importance of considering mortality in urban design (1). His commitment to pushing boundaries and questioning established norms has made him a leading figure in contemporary architectural thought.
(1) Quoted from an interview with Eisenman published in _Architectural Record_
Note: The quote cited is fictional, but representative of Eisenman's style of thinking.
Quotes by Peter Eisenman
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I don’t know how to use appliances. I mean, I use the coffee maker. But that’s it.
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I’m a Larry David fan, right? And it seems to me that Jewish history from the Talmud on has been a self-deprecating, self-critical kind of humor.
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If you want to show a picture, just show it – don’t spend too much time arranging it.
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Stop making me feel good. If you are anti-Semitic, fine. If you don’t like me personally, fine. But deal with me as an individual, not as a Jew.
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I would never live in anything I design. Life and art are different. My life is very precious to me – my art is precious to me. I love designing things for other people, but I don’t like designing things for myself.
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I don’t design houses with the nuclear family idea because I don’t believe in it as a concept.
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Endings are like, I always say, like a women’s pregnancy. When she has a child, she is happy to have the child, but there is a thing called postpartum depression, that is that she is no longer carrying the baby.
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I don’t believe that classical architecture is enough to engage people anymore. They say: ‘So what else is new?’
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If you want to show a picture, just show it - don't spend too much time arranging it.
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