The beauty of architecture is it involves work that stretches

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Ma Yansong, a prominent Chinese architect and the founder of MAD Architects, known for his innovative and futuristic designs.

“The beauty of architecture is it involves work that stretches over a very long time but often starts in one instant, with just one emotion, a kind of instinctual response.”
— Ma Yansong

Context and Background

Ma Yansong is known for his avant-garde approach to architecture, often blending natural forms with modern technologies. His work focuses on creating spaces that are not only functional but also evoke a deep emotional response from the people who experience them. In this quote, Yansong reflects on how architecture can begin with a moment of inspiration, an emotion or instinct, but then evolve over time into a long and detailed process of design, construction, and refinement.

His words highlight the dynamic and transformative nature of architecture, which starts with a vision or feeling and develops into a lasting structure that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The contrast between the instinctual spark of creation and the long-term development of a building is a recurring theme in Yansong’s work.

Interpretation

• “The beauty of architecture is it involves work that stretches over a very long time” — architecture, as a profession, often requires long-term effort, from conceptualization to construction, sometimes spanning years or even decades.

• “But often starts in one instant, with just one emotion” — the creation of an architectural project often begins with a single moment of inspiration, an emotional response or idea that sparks the entire process.

• “A kind of instinctual response” — Yansong suggests that this initial idea often comes from gut feelings, instinct, or an emotional reaction to the world around us, which then drives the detailed, technical work of creating a building.

Summary

Ma Yansong’s quote emphasizes the emotional and instinctual foundation of architecture, suggesting that while architectural work spans years of effort, it often begins with a single moment of inspiration — an emotion or instinct that drives the design process. This perspective highlights the artistic and creative side of architecture, where the initial spark of emotion is the beginning of a long journey that results in a built environment.