Ben van Berkel: ‘Let’s make buildings intelligent’

What got you started?

When I was at art college I used to travel around Holland with a friend looking at fantastic buildings. But what really made me decide to study architecture was seeing the Katsura Imperial Villa in Japan in the late 1970s and later visiting the US and seeing a lot of American architecture.

Who was your most inspiring tutor?

Both Mohsen Mostafavi and Zaha Hadid at the AA, which was a fantastic time for me. Mohsen virtually created a school within a school, and always got the most interesting architects around to come in and do seminars. Zaha really pushed our boundaries. They both influenced me immensely.

What “great” architecture leaves you cold?

Many Dutch architects love Rietveld’s Schröder House but I’ve never really been able to connect to my own culture’s history.

What is your best project?

It’s not healthy to look back on one’s own work so I don’t do it. But if I did, I’d choose a series of projects that showed the development of a particular aspect. I always believe that the project I’m working on right now is my best.

What project do you most regret losing?

A business school for Columbia University in New York, which introduced a no-corridor/all-corridor concept.

What part of the design process do you most enjoy?

I always enjoy each part from beginning to end. I lose myself in my studio – I’m so happy to be with my team.

Which house would you most like to live in?

In my own house, which is in the French quarter in the centre of Amsterdam. It was built for French weavers and I’ve altered it so that it looks like a French beach house.

What is your favourite city?

Amsterdam. I love this place. It’s hugely cosmopolitan but also very intimate. In a circle of 100sq m you can find everything you’d like.

You can work in any city at any point in history – where and when would you choose?

New York or London now. I’ve always felt partly English because I lived there for seven years and I’m now doing my first project there.

Who is your favourite client?

A client who has an interest in art and culture always clicks with us – and makes it easier to communicate in fields beyond the architecture.

What one piece of legislation would you introduce?

Something to stimulate making buildings more intelligent.

What is your favourite architectural book?

I read anything and everything. My library is like a bookshop – social sciences, medical sciences, philosophy, art, novels.

What are you listening to?

A lot of classical music — Bach cantatas, Handel, Mozart.

What have you sacrificed for your career?

I could have spent more time with friends, but I lose myself in my work.

What does your family think of your work?

They’ve always loved it.

Is it getting easier?

It has got easier in the past seven or eight years, which is surprising. But then if you’ve been practising anything for 30 years or so, you do begin to feel more comfortable.