Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Architecture German 1781 – 1841 101 quotes

A Prussian architect, city planner, and painter who designed many prominent buildings in Berlin, including the Altes Museum.

Quotes by Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Symmetry soothes the restless mind.

Reflection 1802

A palace without purpose is but a gilded cage.

Critique 1833

Travel broadens the architect's palette.

Travel Letter 1804

The column stands as sentinel to time.

Essay 1823

In architecture, as in nature, form follows function.

Design Principle 1817

The theater must stage not just plays, but dreams.

Project Description 1811

Aging gracefully is the duty of every edifice.

Maintenance Note 1839

Prussian rigor tempers romantic fancy in design.

Letter 1820

The dome encompasses the universe in miniature.

Sketch Annotation 1809

Wit in architecture lies in subtle surprises.

Interview 1834

To ignore context is to build in isolation.

Planning Memo 1813

Monuments to war should whisper peace.

Memorial Design 1825

The artist's hand must yield to the engineer's mind.

Collaboration Note 1830

Berlin's future gleams in neoclassical lines.

Vision Statement 1806

Restoration revives history's dormant voice.

Project Report 1837

A bridge connects not just lands, but souls.

Engineering Essay 1822

Ornament should adorn, never overwhelm.

Student Paper 1799

The sunset gilds the facade with transient gold.

Poetic Reflection 1828

In life's final act, reflect on structures built.

Deathbed Words 1841

Humor in design: a door that surprises with its swing.

Witty Remark 1810