Philip Johnson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Philip Johnson.

Phillip Johnson, born on July 8, 1906, in Cleveland, Ohio, was an influential American architect and curator. He played a crucial role in defining and promoting modernist architectural style in the United States. Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1927 but developed an interest in architecture while attending the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

In the early stages of his career, Johnson focused on curatorial work and writing, which helped to bring attention to European modernism in the United States. He co-authored the influential book "The International Style: Architecture Since 1922" published in 1932. This publication showcased modernist architectural designs and further popularized the style.

In the late 1940s, Johnson transitioned to architecture practice and designed his own residence, the Glass House, which became an iconic representation of modern architecture. Throughout his career, he designed various notable buildings, including the Seagram Building in New York City (in collaboration with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), the Crystal Cathedral in California, and the AT&T Corporate Headquarters in New York City.

Johnson's architectural style evolved over the years, and he experimented with postmodern aesthetics by incorporating historical references and decorative elements into his designs. His ability to blend architectural traditions led to the creation of bold and innovative structures.

Philip Johnson's contributions to both modern and postmodern architecture earned him numerous accolades, including the first Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1979. He remained an influential figure in the architectural world until his death on January 25, 2005, in New Canaan, Connecticut.