Architects today tend to depreciate themselves, to regard themselves as no more than just ordinary citizens without the power to reform the future.

The quote "Architects today tend to depreciate themselves, to regard themselves as no more than just ordinary citizens without the power to reform the future" by Kenzo Tange is a call to recognize the profound social responsibility and influence that architects hold. Tange, a visionary Japanese architect and urban planner, believed that architects were not merely technical professionals, but cultural leaders with the ability—and duty—to shape the future of society. In this statement, he expresses concern that many architects have lost confidence in their role and impact.

By stating that architects "depreciate themselves," Tange critiques a growing disengagement from ambition and visionary thinking in the architectural field. He urges architects to see beyond the day-to-day constraints of budgets and regulations and embrace their potential as agents of change. Architecture is not just about designing buildings—it’s about influencing how people live, connect, and grow. Therefore, the profession carries an inherent power to reform and reshape the future, from cities and infrastructure to environmental and social conditions.

Tange’s own work—such as his design of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and his leadership in the Metabolist Movement—reflects this belief in architecture’s transformative capacity. He envisioned urban environments that could evolve and respond to changing human needs, merging technology, tradition, and utopian ideals. His quote stems from a conviction that design thinking, when bold and principled, can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Ultimately, Tange’s quote serves as both a critique and an inspiration. He challenges architects to reclaim their authority, embrace their creative power, and commit to designing not just for the present, but for a better and more meaningful future. Architecture, in his view, is not a passive profession—it is a proactive force capable of guiding humanity forward.