Though I love the arts with all my heart - paintings, sculpture, theatre, and music - and think they are among the biggest achievements we humans can do, I am really convinced that architecture is among the most important.

Santiago Calatrava’s quote, “Though I love the arts with all my heart—paintings, sculpture, theatre, and music—and think they are among the biggest achievements we humans can do, I am really convinced that architecture is among the most important,” reflects his deep admiration for the fine arts while emphasizing the unique power and significance of architecture. Calatrava acknowledges the emotional and cultural richness that the arts bring to human life, but he positions architecture as a discipline that not only expresses beauty, but also shapes daily existence in the most practical and enduring ways.

The origin of this quote lies in Calatrava’s dual background as both an engineer and an architect, which informs his holistic view of architecture as a fusion of art and science. Known for his highly sculptural buildings and bridges—such as the Turning Torso in Sweden and the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia—Calatrava often integrates aesthetic ideals with structural innovation. His statement elevates architecture to a foundational cultural act, one that affects how we live, move, and interact with our environment.

By comparing architecture to other celebrated art forms, Calatrava points out that it is not just about form or expression, but about function, space, and human experience. While paintings and music may stir emotions and inspire reflection, architecture directly impacts how people inhabit the world—how they work, rest, gather, and feel secure. In this way, architecture becomes both an artistic discipline and a civic responsibility.

Ultimately, this quote affirms Calatrava’s belief in the transformative power of architecture. It is not just an aesthetic endeavor, but a cultural cornerstone that embodies society’s values, ambitions, and identity. Through his work and words, Calatrava argues that architecture holds a special place in the spectrum of human achievement—one that bridges artistic vision and practical purpose to improve life on both individual and collective levels.