Modernist architecture and town planning is inimical to human beings... based on the Darwinian concept that evolution is open ended, that there must always be something new and better.

The quote by Leon Krier expresses a sharp critique of modernist architecture and town planning, arguing that their principles are fundamentally inimical to human beings—meaning they go against human needs and well-being. Krier, a leading voice in New Urbanism and traditional architecture, believes that the modernist obsession with constant change and innovation neglects the timeless human values embedded in historical urban forms and architectural traditions.

By referencing the Darwinian concept of evolution as "open-ended," Krier points to the idea that modernist thought embraces a never-ending pursuit of the new and the better, without anchoring itself in proven, sustainable patterns. In his view, this has led to cities and buildings that are alienating, dysfunctional, and disconnected from cultural identity, community, and human scale. Modernism, according to Krier, prioritizes abstract theories and aesthetics over the lived experience of people.

Krier’s critique is grounded in a belief that architecture should reflect permanence, tradition, and local context, rather than constantly reinventing itself in pursuit of novelty. He argues that older urban models—based on walkability, mixed-use planning, and classical proportions—create more harmonious and livable environments than the fragmented and often sterile outcomes of modernist design.

The origin of this quote lies in Krier's broader philosophical and practical work, especially his opposition to modernist urban planning and support for human-centered development. As a theorist and practitioner, he has influenced movements that call for a return to traditional architecture, most notably through his writings, town plans like Poundbury in England, and his collaboration with figures such as Prince Charles. Krier's views continue to spark debate about the purpose of architecture and the kinds of environments we should be building for future generations.