People have long been shaping the world around them to provide safety, solace and connection. From primitive tools used thousands of years ago to modern construction techniques today, our built environment reflects many generations’ desires for a better life.
The future of construction and design is a bright one, made brighter still by the consideration of wise words from our collective past. Here are ten timeless quotes that inspire us to be creative in how we approach building for today and tomorrow.
Here are ten quotes on construction to inspire you:
1. “We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” – Winston Churchill
Buildings are the defining structures of our lives, weaving together how we feel and act. They can reflect who we are as a society by creating environments that nurture connection, foster productivity, and show respect for all people. These days it’s more important than ever to be aware of what goes into constructing them – their design and maintenance must speak volumes about our values today.
2. “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” – Benjamin Franklin
Too often, budget becomes the be-all and end-all when planning a build. While it’s important to consider cost up front, steeper short-term outlays can lead to long-term savings down the line. Before jumping for those lowest price tags, take into account not just payable today; but what’s really being purchased in terms of total lifetime value.
3. “Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves.” – Adrienne Clarkson
Being part of the construction industry is an amazing journey that allows us to witness first-hand how our individual efforts come together as a shining example of collective creativity and hard work. The final product stands tall, never forgetting every person who contributed their resources for its completion.
4. “Building is about getting around the obstacles that are presented to you.” – Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but he has another skill up his sleeve – transforming homes! He’s over two decades’ worth of experience in renovating properties, and knows that challenges are an unavoidable part of the process. The saying ‘luck favors those who prepare’ rings true; good design teams can devise innovative solutions even when unexpected obstacles arise. So if you’re looking for a renovation project with some star-studded success tips behind it… keep Jeremy in mind!
5. “Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design.” – Stephen Gardiner
With a little foresight, you can ensure that your building project is in the right hands. Selecting quality design and build teams who listen to what it is that makes your vision unique will be key to making sure every detail of your dream structure comes together as planned.
6. “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney
When it comes to designing a building, aesthetics is important – but the true success of any structure lies in its functionality for those who will be using it every day. It is essential that end users are taken into account at every stage throughout preconstruction and design; this ensures we can create buildings which not only look great but also function perfectly in their intended capacity.
7. “You can use an eraser on the drafting table, or a sledgehammer on the construction site.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
Quality collaboration between project stakeholders is critical to a successful outcome. With effective communication and coordination at the planning stage, it’s much easier for teams to adjust their approach and avoid costly changes down the road. Design-build approaches, as well as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), are built on this idea of early collaboration – helping keep construction processes smoother while boosting overall performance results.
8. “A great building must begin with the immeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed, and in the end must be unmeasured.” – Louis Kahn
When planning your new building, consider what you’d like it to achieve. Are you hoping for an inviting space that will bring in more customers or members? Or do you want a motivating atmosphere where employees are comfortable and productive? Whatever the dream is, working with professionals on design and construction can turn this vision into reality – one worth measuring.
9. “Construction is the art of making a meaningful whole out of many parts. Buildings are witnesses to the human ability to construct concrete things.” – Peter Zumthor
Engineering, architecture and project management come together to create the built environment around us – from homes and businesses, to churches and hospitals. Combining raw materials like wood, concrete metal and glass in imaginative ways enables construction crews to craft modern structures that shelter our communities for generations.
10. “The door handle is the handshake of the building.” – Juhani Pallasmaa
Each day when you walk into your building, what are you shaking on?
