I don't believe that classical architecture is enough to engage

The soft murmur of the café surrounded Jack and Jeeny as they sat in their corner, the occasional clink of coffee cups and the soft rhythm of rain against the window blending with the hum of conversation. Jack sat, his fingers loosely wrapped around his cup, gazing out at the wet city streets, while Jeeny, across from him, seemed absorbed in her thoughts, her eyes distant but thoughtful.

Host: The moment seemed to stretch, the world outside quieted by the rain, until Jeeny broke the silence, her voice steady but reflective.

Jeeny: “I read something today that made me think about how people connect with art and architecture. Peter Eisenman said, ‘I don’t believe that classical architecture is enough to engage people anymore. They say: “So what else is new?”’ Do you think that’s true? Have we outgrown classical architecture?”

Jack: He looked up at her, his expression thoughtful. “That’s an interesting perspective. I get what he’s saying—classical architecture, as beautiful as it is, can start to feel a little stale, right? It’s almost like we’ve seen it all before. We admire it, but it doesn’t spark the same level of curiosity or engagement that it might have centuries ago. People are always looking for something new, something that challenges their expectations.”

Jeeny: She nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. “Exactly. Classical architecture is grounded in tradition, which is important, but it doesn’t always feel like it’s speaking to us today. We’re in a world where people are constantly pushing boundaries, searching for the innovative and the unexpected. Architecture, like any art form, needs to evolve in order to remain relevant, to truly connect with people. It has to reflect the world we live in, not just the past.”

Host: The rain outside softened, and the quiet between them seemed to deepen. Jack set his cup down gently, his gaze moving from the window back to Jeeny, a slight shift in his expression.

Jack: “I think that’s the real challenge, though. How do you balance history and innovation in something as timeless as architecture? It’s easy to get stuck in the idea of tradition—but how do you bring the energy of today into a building that still holds onto the past?”

Jeeny: “It’s about more than just changing the design; it’s about changing how we experience space. Architecture is meant to shape our interactions, to make us feel something. If it only draws from the past, it risks becoming a relic rather than an experience. People want buildings that inspire them, that challenge their perceptions. It’s not about erasing tradition, but about reinterpreting it, bringing something new to the table that feels relevant to now.”

Host: The conversation between them had taken on a deeper resonance, like a thread unraveling a larger truth about how art and architecture must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world. Jack paused, his expression softening as he considered her words.

Jack: “Maybe that’s what Eisenman is getting at—classical architecture no longer feels like it’s pushing us forward. It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t feel like it’s part of the conversation anymore. We need architecture that reflects the challenges, the possibilities, the diversity of our world today. Something that doesn’t just sit still—it moves with us.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about creating something that engages with the world as it is now, not just as it was. Architecture should be more than just a visual experience—it should be a reflection of the time, the culture, and the people who interact with it.”

Host: The soft rain continued to fall outside, but inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that architecture, like all art forms, must continue to evolve in order to truly engage and inspire people. Classical beauty still has its place, but the world is always asking, “So what else is new?” and it’s that question that drives the innovation needed to keep art, and architecture, alive.