Why Do Architectss Wear Black?

Cordula Rau (Ed.)

Why Do Architects Wear Black?

Bjarke Ingels, Copenhagen

Cuz I iz black.

Because I thought I was the only one doing that.

Michel Desvigne, Paris

I don’t know: I don’t wear black and I am still an architect.

Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani, Milan

I think there are two reasons for me: the first is that architects like to stay neutral so that their buildings can stand out, like the way priests cherish black so that their faith stands out. The second reason, which applies to me, is that I am colour blind and cannot see colours at all.

Colin Fournier, London

I can’t think of anything concerning black - maybe because so many architects wear it?

Jacques Herzog, Basle

Disappear, disappear from the world

Ai Weiwei, Beijing

The last renaissance profession

Being, in the same day:

- at a construction site

- at dinner with a president

- in an architecture office

- in an airplane

- in social and political discussions

- in a night club

Black is perfect.

Dominique Perrault, Paris

I don’t know.

I wear coloured clothes.

Peter Zumthor, Haldenstein

I like colours very much. But black is easier. You don’t have to put too much thought into getting dressed in the morning.

Anne Lacaton, Paris

Architects are frightened of colour and it makes them look younger + thinner!

David Chipperfield, London

I like black.

Zaha Hadid, London