I suppose I'm trying to build an architecture that's as timeless

"I suppose I'm trying to build an architecture that's as timeless as possible, although we're all creatures of our age." These words spoken by David Chipperfield reflect a deep understanding of the tension between eternity and the present moment, an idea that has preoccupied artists and philosophers throughout history. At its core, this statement reveals a vision of architecture that seeks to transcend the limitations of its time while acknowledging the inevitable influence of the era in which it is created. Chipperfield recognizes that, while architecture, like all art, is shaped by the circumstances and cultural contexts of its moment, the true power of design lies in its ability to resonate across generations, becoming not just a product of its age, but a lasting testament to human achievement.

In the ancient world, the notion of timelessness was deeply intertwined with the idea of legacy. Greek temples, such as the Parthenon, were constructed with the belief that the architecture would stand as an eternal symbol of both the gods and the society that created it. These monumental works of architecture were not simply meant to serve a functional purpose, but were designed to reflect the values and aspirations of the people for eternity. The ancient Greeks understood that great architecture should not just speak to the moment, but to something larger—the spirit of their civilization, the divine order, and their place in the cosmos. The Parthenon, with its columns and symmetry, transcended the immediate context of its creation, becoming a symbol not just of Athens, but of the classical ideal.

In the same vein, Chipperfield’s quest for timelessness in architecture echoes the ancient belief that art should endure. Yet, he is also wise enough to recognize the reality of the present—that, like all artists, architects are shaped by their age. The works of Michelangelo, while clearly products of the Renaissance, also sought to capture the eternal. His David, for example, stands as both a work of human brilliance and a profound symbol of human striving. Michelangelo was not merely concerned with the aesthetic of his era but with creating something that would resonate through time, speaking to generations that had not yet come. This dual desire—to create something that is deeply of one’s own time, and yet also universally relevant—is what Chipperfield also aspires to in his architecture.

Consider the Roman Colosseum, a structure built nearly two thousand years ago, which continues to captivate people from all over the world. While it was certainly designed for the practical purpose of hosting gladiatorial games, its design transcended its initial function, becoming a symbol of the imperial power of Rome. Its grandiosity and engineering reflected the ideals of Roman might and endurance, and even today, the Colosseum continues to awe visitors. The Romans, like Chipperfield, sought to create architecture that would endure, to craft spaces that, long after the empire had fallen, would still speak to the greatness of their civilization.

Yet, the lesson embedded in Chipperfield’s words is not simply about the desire for eternity through architecture, but also about the humility and awareness that come with recognizing we are all creatures of our age. It is an acceptance that even our greatest creations are products of the time in which they are created. No matter how timeless we strive to make our work, it will always be marked by the context in which it was conceived—the technologies, the aesthetic preferences, the philosophies, and the values of the age. This does not diminish the work, but rather adds depth to it, as we see how it reflects the hopes, struggles, and triumphs of its time. Chipperfield, like many artists before him, acknowledges this balance between eternity and the present, and in doing so, elevates his work by embracing both its timelessness and its rootedness in the here and now.

The ancient wisdom here calls us to understand that our own lives, much like the buildings and works of art we leave behind, are both transitory and eternal. We are shaped by our times, but through our actions, thoughts, and creations, we have the opportunity to leave a legacy that speaks beyond the limitations of the present. Chipperfield’s work, like the great works of antiquity, challenges us to reflect on how we live in the present moment, and how we can contribute to something that transcends the fleeting nature of our existence.

The lesson we can take from Chipperfield’s words is clear: to strive for timelessness is to recognize that we are part of a larger continuum. Our creations, whether in architecture, art, or our personal lives, should reflect the best of who we are while understanding that they are shaped by the age we live in. Timelessness is not the absence of time—it is the ability to create something that resonates across generations, drawing from the past and present to offer insight and beauty for the future. Like the ancients, we must imbue our work with meaning and intention, striving to create not just for the moment, but for the legacy we leave behind.

Let us then, as Chipperfield suggests, embrace the responsibility of being creatures of our age, while also striving to contribute something that will endure, shaping not only our world but the world of generations to come. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our creations, let us seek the balance between timelessness and the present, knowing that through our efforts, we can create a legacy that will resonate far beyond our own time.