TED Talk: Daniel Libeskind’s 17 words of architectural inspiration



Filmed back in 2009, this TED Talk by Daniel Libeskind has yet to diminish in popularity. Once a free-verse poet, an opera set designer and a virtuoso musician, Libeskind has evolved into an internationally-renowned architect with an illustrious style that has been praised and criticized by many. In just seventeen words, Libeskind describes what inspires his unique approach to architecture. Believing that optimism is what drives architecture forward, he begins by stating, “Architecture is not based on concrete and steel and the elements of the soil. It’s based on wonder.”
Enjoy the talk and continue after the break to review Libeskind’s seventeen words of architectural inspiration.
Libeskind’s seventeen words of architectural inspiration:
  • Optimism vs. Pessimism
  • Expressive vs. Neutral
  • Radical vs. Conservative
  • Emotional vs. Cool
  • Inexplicable vs. Understood
  • Hand vs. Computer
  • Complex vs. Simple
  • Political vs. Evasive
  • Real vs. Stimulated
  • Unexpected vs. Habitual
  • Raw vs. Refined
  • Pointed vs. Blunt
  • Memorable vs. Forgettable
  • Communicative vs. Mute
  • Risky vs. Safe
  • Space vs. Fashion
  • Democratic vs. Authoritarian
It is evident that many will form a variety of opinions about Libeskind’s philosophy; however, it is always interesting to learn about different ideologies and inspirations. Tell us, what inspires you?