I don't see that any buildings should be excluded from the term architecture, as long as they are done properly.

The quote "I don't see that any buildings should be excluded from the term architecture, as long as they are done properly." by Arne Jacobsen, a Danish architect and designer, presents a democratic and inclusive view of architecture. Jacobsen challenges the elitist notion that only grand, iconic, or stylistically "pure" structures qualify as architecture. Instead, he argues that any building, regardless of size, function, or prominence, deserves recognition as architecture—if it is well-designed and executed thoughtfully.

By emphasizing the condition “done properly,” Jacobsen stresses the importance of craftsmanship, intention, and functionality over style or prestige. This reflects the principles of modernism, a movement with which he was closely associated. Modernist architects like Jacobsen believed in the integrity of form and the unity of aesthetics and utility, whether in a towering civic structure or a modest residential home.

Jacobsen’s philosophy echoes his own diverse body of work, which spans everything from furniture design to urban housing and public buildings. He treated each project with equal seriousness and care, suggesting that good architecture is not limited by scale or notoriety but by the quality of thought behind it. His quote can be seen as a defense of everyday architecture, advocating for the dignity and design potential in even the most utilitarian of structures.

In essence, Jacobsen invites us to broaden our understanding of what constitutes architecture. He pushes against the idea of architectural hierarchy, advocating instead for a standard based on integrity, purpose, and execution. This perspective opens the door to valuing a wide range of built environments, encouraging designers and the public alike to seek excellence and meaning in all that we construct.