Princeton is a sublime undergraduate university. It has a good architecture school.

In this concise yet meaningful quote, Emilio Ambasz, an influential architect and designer, offers his view on Princeton University, describing it as a "sublime undergraduate university" with a "good architecture school." The word sublime suggests that he sees Princeton not just as academically excellent, but as a place of inspiration, beauty, and intellectual depth, particularly at the undergraduate level. His choice of words conveys admiration for the university’s atmosphere and its ability to foster critical thinking and creative exploration.

Ambasz’s comment likely stems from his own connection to Princeton, where he studied and later served as Curator of Design at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). As an architect known for pioneering green architecture and conceptual design, he values institutions that support both rigorous education and innovative thinking. By noting Princeton’s strength in architecture, he affirms its role in shaping thoughtful, forward-looking designers within a broader liberal arts context.

The reference to the architecture school being “good” might seem modest at first, but in context, it reflects Princeton’s reputation for offering a foundational architectural education rooted in the humanities, theory, and history, rather than focusing purely on technical training. This complements Ambasz’s own belief in architecture as a cultural and philosophical discipline, not just a technical craft.

Ultimately, Ambasz’s quote highlights the importance of an environment where interdisciplinary learning and architectural thinking coexist. Princeton, in his view, is an ideal place for nurturing young minds, offering a setting where students can engage deeply with both intellectual traditions and the spatial imagination that defines great architecture.