Architects have made architecture too complex. We need to simplify it and use a language that everyone can understand.

The quote "Architects have made architecture too complex. We need to simplify it and use a language that everyone can understand" by Toyo Ito expresses his concern about the disconnect between architectural design and the everyday user. Ito, a renowned Japanese architect celebrated for his innovative and fluid designs, argues that architecture has become overly intellectualized and elitist, making it difficult for ordinary people to relate to, use, or appreciate. In this statement, he advocates for a return to clarity, simplicity, and human-centered design.

By calling for a “language that everyone can understand,” Ito is emphasizing the need for accessibility in both the physical and conceptual aspects of architecture. This doesn’t mean making architecture simplistic, but rather ensuring that the spaces we create are intuitive, comfortable, and inclusive. He believes that great architecture should communicate clearly through its form, function, and experience, rather than relying solely on abstract theory or complex symbolism.

Ito’s own work—such as the Sendai Mediatheque and Taichung Metropolitan Opera House—reflects this philosophy. While visually striking and technologically advanced, his designs strive to maintain a fluid connection between people, environment, and space. His quote serves as both a critique and a call to action: to simplify architectural thought without sacrificing depth, and to reorient the profession around the needs and perceptions of real people.

Ultimately, Ito reminds us that architecture should not alienate—it should welcome. When design becomes too insular or self-referential, it loses its ability to serve society. By embracing a more universal language, architects can create spaces that are not only innovative but also emotionally resonant and widely understood.