The Architect Says: Myth, Misquotation, and 'the Mating of a Building

This paper reflects upon a single object of analysis: a book of architectural quotations, whilst also reflecting on the nature of the scholarly voice. A critical approach to a book in this genre might argue that it traces a self-reinforcing cycle: of architects’ willingness to opine, and publishing companies’ willingness to (literally) capitalize on that. Drawing on established mythological constructions of the architect as famed/genius/guru, the collection also works, it could be argued, to shore up and maintain such a persona. This paper critically reflects on such ideas, but also identifies a crucial moment when the conceit of the book seems to come undone: when it mis-quotes Norman Foster, who is reported to have argued for more emphasis in architecture schools on ‘the mating of a building.’ Such a malapropism seems to undermine the hagiographic edifice of the architect as genius author figure, and the very purpose of such a book of ‘inspirational’ quotations. But while the paper begins from such a critical premise, it also traces a shift in its own critical position. It moves from a position of suspicion at the book’s apparent reinforcement of the mythic qualities of architectural authorship, to a more nuanced response to a text regarded anew: as a diverse, multivocal, and even kaleidoscopic account of architectural discipline and practice.