I became a fanatic of the architecture of Le Corbusier and I visited almost all his buildings and read all his books. Only later on did I discover that all the things that impressed me in his books, particular his ideology, he had picked up from Auguste Perret.

Santiago Calatrava’s quote, “I became a fanatic of the architecture of Le Corbusier and I visited almost all his buildings and read all his books. Only later on did I discover that all the things that impressed me in his books, particularly his ideology, he had picked up from Auguste Perret,” reveals a moment of revelation in Calatrava’s architectural education. Initially captivated by the modernist genius of Le Corbusier, Calatrava later realized that many of the innovative ideas he admired had roots in the work of an earlier figure—Auguste Perret, a pioneer of reinforced concrete and rationalist design.

The origin of this quote lies in Calatrava’s formative years as a student of both architecture and engineering, where he immersed himself in the legacy of Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Known for his radical visions like the Villa Savoye and Unité d’Habitation, Le Corbusier had a profound impact on architectural theory. However, Calatrava’s deeper study revealed that many of Le Corbusier’s key principles—particularly his structural innovations and approach to materiality—were heavily influenced by Perret, his teacher and mentor.

By acknowledging this intellectual lineage, Calatrava highlights an important truth about architecture: that even revolutionary ideas are often built on the foundations laid by preceding generations. His quote underscores the importance of historical awareness and critical study in understanding how architectural ideas evolve and are transmitted. It also demonstrates Calatrava’s humility and willingness to reassess his influences, recognizing the depth and continuity of architectural thought.

Ultimately, Calatrava’s quote is a reflection on how architectural inspiration is rarely born in isolation. It reminds us that ideologies, no matter how modern or groundbreaking they seem, often have deep intellectual roots. For Calatrava, discovering the influence of Auguste Perret added a new layer of appreciation to his understanding of Le Corbusier—and reaffirmed the richness of architectural history as a chain of knowledge, not just a collection of iconic names.