Adolf Loos
An influential Austrian architect and theorist, he was a pioneer of modern architecture and a critic of ornament in his essay 'Ornament and Crime'.
Quotes by Adolf Loos
The urge to decorate, down to the cranberries on our Christmas trees, the desire to beautify everything that is beautiful, that which is ugly, that which is sad, is the sign of a degenerate imagination.
Ornament does not heighten my joy in life or the joy in life of any cultivated person.
If all objects and buildings were ornamented with motifs found in nature, new wallpaper patterns would be devised daily.
Ornament is no longer a natural product of our culture.
The ornament that accompanies a phenomenon is a symptom of the culture from which it arises.
Primitive people tattooed themselves, nobles and priests had themselves painted.
We have grown out of ornament.
Ornament is criminal.
Freedom from ornament is a sign of spiritual strength.
The true luxury is simplicity.
Architecture must have something that appeals to the eye.
A house is not a machine for living in.
The room must be comfortable and well-furnished.
I am not interested in living in a city where there are no trees.
Beauty is the promise of happiness.
In my opinion, everything must be beautiful, not only the furniture.
The architect's will is paramount.
Ornament is lost labor.
Culture is the removal of ornament.
Modern ornament is the mark of a degenerate age.