In a society that celebrates the inessential, architecture can

Host: The gentle hum of the evening filled the room, as the city outside remained still. Jack sat at the table, his fingers lightly tapping on his cup, reflecting on Peter Zumthor’s words. Jeeny stood near the window, her gaze directed outward, considering the deeper meaning behind the statement.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Peter Zumthor said: ‘In a society that celebrates the inessential, architecture can put up a resistance, counteract the waste of forms and meanings and speak its own language.’ It’s such a powerful idea, isn’t it? The idea that in a world where so much is focused on superficiality or the disposable, architecture has the ability to stand against that, to offer something meaningful, something that can speak for itself, something that resists the trend of everything being temporary and empty.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. Zumthor is pointing out that in a world where so much is built on instant gratification and disposable culture, architecture has the potential to be a counterforce—to offer something with depth, purpose, and longevity. When everything around us is transient and superficial, architecture can act as a reminder that some things are meant to last, meant to have meaning beyond just form and function.”

Jeeny: “Right. And I think it’s also about intentionality—how architecture can be designed with purpose, not just for visual appeal or trend. Zumthor is showing us that architecture isn’t just about filling space; it’s about creating a space that holds value, something that resists the ephemeral nature of much of today’s culture. It’s about designing something that speaks its own language, something that has intrinsic value.”

Host: The stillness in the room grew as they both reflected on the role of architecture in society. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s expression softened, considering how architecture has the power to be more than just a functional or aesthetic choice—it can be a powerful statement in a world that often overlooks the essential.

Jack: “It makes me think about how much we’re surrounded by buildings and structures that aren’t necessarily designed to stand the test of time. There’s a focus on quick fixes, on disposable designs that don’t really mean anything. But Zumthor is suggesting that architecture can be a form of resistance, that it can offer something deeper. It’s about creating spaces that have a soul, that serve as a testament to what’s truly important.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Zumthor reminds us that architecture has the ability to resist the temptation to be just about trends or superficial beauty. It can speak its own language, one that communicates not just through its appearance but through its substance. It’s about creating something authentic in a world that celebrates the disposable.”

Jack: “And I think it’s also about lasting impact. In a society that’s constantly moving toward the next new thing, architecture has the power to resist that cycle. It’s meant to endure, to withstand time and trends, to be more than just something to look at. It’s about creating spaces that speak and connect, that transcend the temporary.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The most meaningful buildings aren’t just about what they look like—they’re about how they serve us, how they make us feel, how they resonate with us. Zumthor is reminding us that architecture has the ability to make a statement, to counter the empty noise of the world around us, to be more than just a place—it can be a piece of art, a statement of purpose and meaning.”

Host: The quiet in the room grew deeper, as they considered the lasting power of architecture to shape not just the physical space around us, but our lives. Peter Zumthor had shown them that in a world that often values the fleeting and the superficial, architecture has the ability to resist that trend and offer something more substantial, more enduring. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both of them understanding the deep meaning behind Zumthor’s words.

Jack: “So, Zumthor is really showing us that architecture isn’t just about form or trend—it’s about purpose. It’s about creating something that lasts, something that speaks to the values we hold most important, something that resists the transient nature of much of our world.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Zumthor reminds us that architecture has the power to speak its own language, one that transcends the temporary and touches on the eternal. It’s about designing spaces that resonate with meaning, that have substance, and that will endure through time.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, the quiet understanding between them a reminder that architecture, when created with intention and purpose, has the power to be more than just a functional or aesthetic choice. Peter Zumthor had shown them that architecture can serve as a resistance to the fleeting nature of modern life and offer spaces that speak a deeper language. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that true architecture speaks not just through its form but through its meaning and enduring value.