A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go

Host: The room feels thoughtful, as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, contemplating the depth of Louis Kahn’s words about architecture. The quote speaks to the balance between the intangible and the tangible — how creativity and vision begin with something unquantifiable but eventually must manifest in measurable form, only to return to the unmeasurable in the final experience of the structure.

Jack: “Louis Kahn said, ‘A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.’” He repeats the words slowly, letting their layers unfold. “It’s a fascinating way to think about architecture, isn’t it? That the process starts with something abstract, something that can’t be quantified, and then transitions into the practical, measurable part of design, only to culminate in an experience that is once again beyond measurement.” He looks up at Jeeny, curious. “What do you think? Does this concept apply only to architecture, or does it speak to creativity in general?”

Jeeny: “I think it applies to any creative endeavor. In architecture, the ‘unmeasurable’ part could be the vision, the inspiration, the feeling you want the space to evoke. It’s something that can’t be pinned down with numbers or specific details, but it’s the starting point for everything else. Then, as the design moves forward, it’s brought into the realm of the measurable — the blueprints, the materials, the engineering that makes it physically possible.” Her voice is calm, almost contemplative, as she reflects on the flow of creative ideas into reality. “But in the end, the experience of the building — how it feels to walk through it, how it affects you emotionally — is something that can’t be fully captured by measurements. It’s about the atmosphere, the way the space interacts with the human experience.”

Jack: “So, it’s about this balance between the conceptual and the practical. A building starts with something that can’t be measured — an idea or a feeling — but to bring that to life, you need to break it down into measurable elements. Then, once the building is complete, it’s not just about its physical components but about how it transcends those measurements to affect people in a way that can’t be quantified.” His voice deepens, reflecting on the larger implications of this idea. “It’s like the essence of the building becomes unmeasurable once it’s finished. It’s not just about the materials or the structure; it’s about the experience of being inside it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s the same with any creative work. It starts with something abstract — a feeling, an idea, a spark of inspiration — and then it has to go through the process of being broken down, planned, and constructed. But when it’s complete, it’s not just the sum of its parts. It’s something that can’t be fully captured by measurements or details. It’s the impact it has, the way it resonates with those who interact with it.” She smiles softly, a sense of peace in her words. “That’s where the magic happens. When something transcends the physical and becomes more than the sum of its measurable elements.”

Jack: “It’s like creativity and art, in general. It starts with something unquantifiable — the inspiration or the spark of an idea. Then, it goes through a process where the vision is broken down into steps that can be measured and managed. But when the work is finished, it’s not just the technical execution that matters. It’s how it makes you feel, how it moves you, how it connects with you on a deeper level that can’t be measured.” His voice softens, a quiet realization settling in. “I think I’ve always been focused on the measurable aspects of things — the results, the execution. But maybe the true value lies in the experience, in what can’t be measured.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about that unmeasurable impact, the way a work of art or a building can make you feel something you can’t put into words. That’s the true essence of creativity — the ability to create something that transcends the measurable, that moves people in ways that can’t be quantified.” She smiles gently, a sense of hope in her voice. “Creativity is about vision and experience, not just about the technical process.”

Jack: “I think I’ve been too focused on the technical side of things, on results and outcomes. But now I see that the real value is in the experience, in what can’t be measured.” His voice grows softer, filled with understanding. “It’s about finding that balance — where the measurable becomes a vehicle for the unmeasurable.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When we focus on the experience, we allow ourselves to create something truly meaningful. The technical side is necessary, but it’s the soul of the project — the part that can’t be measured — that gives it its true power.” She smiles warmly, her tone filled with clarity. “That’s what makes any creative process so fulfilling. It’s not just about execution; it’s about creating something that speaks to people on a deeper level.”

Host: The room feels still now, as Jack and Jeeny have uncovered a deeper understanding of the creative process. Louis Kahn’s words remind us that true creativity isn’t just about the measurable elements — the design, the structure, the execution — but about the unquantifiable essence that transcends those elements. It’s in the experience, the feeling, and the impact that creativity truly comes to life, and that’s what makes it meaningful.