As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.

Source: "My Green Agenda for Architecture." DLD 2007. Jan. 2007. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote means that architects must design buildings for present needs and for future needs (which are unknown), while also maintaining an awareness of history (past needs). The quote is from architect Norman Foster's 2007 TED Talk in which he discusses his work to show how computers can help architects design green buildings. Watch the full TED Talk here: Norman Foster - My Green Agenda for Architecture