Adolf Loos Quotes

A collection of quotes by Adolf Loos.

Adolf Loos (1870-1933) was an influential Austrian architect and theorist, known for his radical ideas on architecture and design. Born in Brno, Austria-Hungary (now in the Czech Republic), Loos moved to Vienna in his early twenties and began his career as a furniture designer. He embraced the modernist movement and is recognized as a pioneer of the minimalist aesthetic.

Loos advocated for functional design, rejecting unnecessary ornamentation and excess in architecture. He believed that good design should prioritize functionality and emphasize the inherent qualities of materials. Loos's influential essay, "Ornament and Crime" (1908), criticized decorative excess and argued that ornamentation was a sign of cultural backwardness.

Throughout his career, Loos designed numerous buildings, including residential and commercial structures, modernist houses, and commercial interiors. Notable works include the Steiner House (Vienna), Goldman & Salatsch Building (Vienna), and Müller House (Prague). His architectural style emphasized clean lines, smooth surfaces, and geometric simplicity.

Aside from architecture, Loos was an avid writer and lecturer, articulating his ideas through essays and speeches. His theories had a lasting impact on architectural modernism and influenced subsequent generations of architects. Adolf Loos's work remains highly regarded today for its functional simplicity and contribution to the development of modern architecture.