AD Interviews: Richard Meier

Summary

In this insightful interview, renowned architect Richard Meier discusses his approach to architecture, the significance of space, and the impact of context in design. He emphasizes the difference between public and private spaces and explores the importance of materiality, particularly the use of white concrete in his projects. Meier also touches on the role of architects in society, the influence of the internet, and the challenges of running a business in architecture. His perspective on architecture is grounded in creating clear, defined spaces that dialogue between the natural and the man-made.

Takeaways

• 😀 Richard Meier is the principal architect of Richard Meier and Partners, with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, and projects in Europe, Asia, and Mexico.
• 😀 Architecture is about creating and experiencing spaces, both interior and exterior, which include public and private spaces.
• 😀 One of the main goals in every project is to differentiate between public and private spaces, with a focus on natural light and how it illuminates space.
• 😀 Architects can have various roles in society, including private practice, government, education, and contributing to public policy.
• 😀 Context is crucial in architectural design, including the physical, social, political, and historical context of a location.
• 😀 Architects may choose to either align with the local materiality of a space or contrast it, creating a counterpoint to the surroundings.
• 😀 Richard Meier’s design for a church involved using white precast concrete, which was inspired by Pierluigi Nervii’s work on Olympic stadiums, but used in a new way.
• 😀 Networking is not a formal practice for the firm, but they stay connected and share their work as part of their involvement in the industry.
• 😀 The internet is an important tool for communication and information, including staying updated on architecture rankings and news.
• 😀 The choice of architecture school should depend on individual interests, as different schools excel in different areas like construction methods or computer applications.
• 😀 Running an architecture business involves learning by experience, as formal education does not typically prepare you for business management in the field.
• 😀 The use of white in architecture clarifies architectural ideas, especially the contrasts between surfaces, elements, openness, and closure, highlighting the dialogue between man-made and natural features.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Richard Meier's architectural practice?

Richard Meier focuses on creating spaces that people move through, live in, and experience. He emphasizes the differentiation between public and private spaces in architecture, with a particular interest in the way natural light interacts with these spaces.

How does Richard Meier's firm operate internationally?

Richard Meier & Partners Architects has offices in New York City and Los Angeles, and works in various locations around the world, including Europe, Asia, and Mexico. They are also aiming to expand into South America in the future.

What role does the social, political, and historical context play in Richard Meier's designs?

Meier's designs are deeply influenced by the context of the location, including its physical, social, political, and historical aspects. He believes it is crucial to consider how a project fits into its surroundings and either aligns with or contrasts against them.

What does Richard Meier mean by the 'making of space' in architecture?

The 'making of space' refers to the design of environments—both interior and exterior—that people use, live in, and interact with. It is about creating spaces that have a meaningful relationship with light, form, and function.

Why does Richard Meier value the use of white in architecture?

Meier believes that white clarifies architectural ideas by emphasizing contrasts between different surfaces, such as planar vs. translucent, or linear vs. opaque elements. It helps define the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a clearer understanding of architectural space.

What is Richard Meier's stance on mimicking surrounding architecture?

Meier does not believe in mimicking the surrounding architecture. Instead, he aims to create a counterpoint to the existing structures, offering a distinct architectural expression that still responds to the context.

How does Richard Meier describe the relationship between architecture and light?

Meier emphasizes that architecture is not only about the physical space but also how it interacts with natural light. He views the illumination of a space as a critical element in understanding the environment and the materials used in its creation.

What are the different roles for architects in society, according to Richard Meier?

Richard Meier highlights several roles for architects: private practice, influencing public policy through government involvement, educating the next generation of architects, and contributing to society at large by shaping the built environment.

How does Richard Meier view the business side of architecture?

Meier acknowledges that while architecture is a business, it should not be treated solely as one. He mentions that architects often learn to run their practices through trial and error, as business management is not typically taught in architecture schools.

How does Richard Meier view the influence of the internet on architecture?

Meier sees the internet as an important tool for communication, especially in terms of sharing news and ideas, but he does not think it directly influences the creative process of architecture itself. He values it as a means to connect and disseminate information rather than as a source of architectural inspiration.