How did Norman Foster change the world of architecture with his masterpieces?

Eminent architect

Norman Foster is a famous architect from the United Kingdom, known for his architectural firm Foster + Partners, which develops unique architectural projects around the world. Among the most famous works created by his team are iconic buildings such as the St Mary Axe skyscraper in London, the modern dome of the Reichstag in Berlin, and the Millau Viaduct in France.

In total, his portfolio includes around one hundred completed architectural projects that have significantly influenced modern urban planning and design. In 1999, Norman was awardedPritzker Prize- one of the most honored awards in the field of architecture. In July 2010, he was the subject of a documentary entitled "How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?", which greatly increased his popularity.

Early Years and Influence

From an early age, Foster showed an interest in architecture, which defined the course of his life and career. He spent most of his childhood in Manchester, where the diversity of architectural styles, from Venetian Gothic to Neoclassicism, had a strong influence on him. Norman's father worked at a factory that produced generators and steam turbines, which gave him the opportunity to learn the basics of engineering and sparked his interest in design.

Work and education

When Norman turned 16, at his parent's insistence, he began working in the office of the local treasury. However, this work did not bring him pleasure. During his lunch breaks, Norman would often stroll around Manchester, admiring the magnificent architecture of his hometown.

After completing his military service, he decided to leave his position at the treasury. After interviewing at an architectural firm, Norman got a job as an assistant in the contracts department. However, his true calling was related to architecture, and in 1956 he enrolled at the University of Manchester.

He had to finance his education himself, as he was unable to get a scholarship and his parents didn't have enough funds. To make ends meet, Norman took on various side jobs:

• selling ice cream
• worked as a baker
• I used to be a security guard at the club

Creating a company

In 1963, Foster founded Team 4, which was later renamed Foster + Partners due to changes in the team. At first, the office focused on designing industrial buildings, but soon broadened its horizons and began developing office buildings.

In 1974, Norman made a real breakthrough in the architectural scene of the UK by presenting a design for an office building for the insurance company Willis Faber & Dumas. This concept included an open space where workstations were interconnected, as well as a 25-meter swimming pool, a gym, and a rooftop garden.

Projects and achievements

Later, Foster developed a project for the largest bank, HSBC, in Hong Kong. He himself admits that without this contract, his firm could have faced serious financial difficulties. The height of the new building is 180 meters. It consists of five steel blocks, manufactured in the UK and shipped by sea to Hong Kong.

This project became a landmark not only for the architect but also for his company, opening up new opportunities for further architectural endeavors. Norman Foster continues to be a significant figure in the world of architecture and inspires new generations of designers and architects to create original creations.

Unique Architectural Solutions for Skyscrapers

The interior spaces of modern skyscrapers feature a unique architectural concept that often involves the absence of traditional load-bearing walls. The floors are made of lightweight panels that can be easily dismantled, providing access to the engineering systems and climate control equipment located beneath them. Movement between floors is facilitated by stairs and escalators, while elevators only reach certain levels. Natural light in the buildings is provided by sunlight that penetrates through the glass facade cladding and is evenly distributed throughout all rooms using a unique mirror system.

St Mary Axe skyscraper

One of the most outstanding creations of architect Norman Foster is the St Mary Axe skyscraper, a 40-story building located in the heart of London. This skyscraper is famous for its unusual shape and green glazing, which has led to its nickname.“cucumber”(the gherkin in English).

Inside it is the headquarters of Swiss Re, a company specializing in reinsurance. The construction of the building was completed in three years, and its official opening took place in May 2004. During the construction of St Mary Axe, 745 flat panels were used, except for one, which has a rounded shape and is located at the very top.

The unique design of this building allows it to consume half the energy compared to similar structures that meet modern environmental standards.

Unique Sports Stadium in Wembley

The admiration of spectators attending large-scale sporting events is ensured by the stadium designed by the renowned architectural firms Foster+Partners and Populous. This outstanding sports arena is distinguished by its unusual arched architecture, which supports a retractable roof — one of its most notable features.

The construction of the famous Wembley stadium cost an astronomical amount of money -798 million pounds sterlingMoreover, additionally200 millionFunds were allocated for the improvement of the transport infrastructure in the surrounding area. The main function of this facility is to host football matches. The first to appear on the field of this wonderful stadium were the employees of Multiplex, who participated in its construction.

However, the event that draws attention at Wembley is not just sports; concerts are regularly held here, featuring stars such as:

• George Michael
• Muse
• Metallica
• AC/DC
• U2
• Madonna

The new Dome over the Reichstag

In 1999, a new glass and steel dome was added to the Reichstag building, which has an impressive size: its diameter is40 metersand the height23.5 meters. On the top of this transparent structure an observation platform is organized, to which are led two spiral galleries of about230 meters.

The dome is also adorned with glass panels, whose light filters allow for the regulation of the light level entering the interior, depending on the season and weather conditions. In the center of the structure, there is a funnel covered with...360 mirror tilesthat create a spectacular spectacle.

Khan-Shatyra Shopping and Entertainment Complex

The capital city of Kazakhstan in 2010 opened its doors to "Khan-Shatyr", the largest shopping and entertainment center, occupying an impressive127 thousand square meters. This structure is in the form of a tent and reaches a height of .150 meterswith a structure based on steel cables supporting a lightweight transparent covering made of ETFE polymer material.

This material has already demonstrated its reliability in the construction of the national swimming complex in Beijing. ETFE shows high resistance to temperature fluctuations and has excellent thermal insulation properties. Inside the complex, you can find:

• supermarket
• parks
• cafe
• restaurants
• cinemas
• gyms

In addition, there is a water park with swimming pools and an artificial beach, the sand for which was brought from the Maldives.

City Hall building

City Hall is a modern building that serves as the administration for Greater London and is located along the River Thames, not far from the famous Tower Bridge. It was put into operation in2003and reaches a height45 metersincluding 10 floors, with a unique curved shape resembling a sliced egg.

This design feature helps reduce the building's footprint, which in turn lowers heating and operating costs. The construction of City Hall cost£65 millionThe walls of the building are decorated with approximatelyfour thousand glass panelsthat adds extra elegance to it.

Access to the upper floor is via a massive spiral staircase that is long0.5 kilometersOn the roof, there is an observation deck and a gallery that offer a magnificent view of the surroundings.

Unrealized Architect Projects

It is worth noting that many of the architect's creative ideas were never realized. One such project is the high-rise building "Crystal Island," which was planned to be built in Moscow.

Conclusion

In concluding the article about Norman Foster and his unparalleled architectural achievements, I want to emphasize that his journey in the architectural world is not just a story of success, but also a vivid example of how a childhood passion can grow into an outstanding professional career.

As an architect, he reflected technical innovations and aesthetic ideas in his projects, which changed not only the appearance of cities but also the approach to architecture as a whole.

The legacy of the Foster norm

I consider Foster a true pioneer who continues to inspire a new generation of architects. His contribution to:

• Ecological sustainabilitybuildings,
• Integration of naturein the urban landscape,
• Use of modern technologiesmakes his work not only beautiful but also functional.

Buildings like the "Gherkin" or Hearst Tower serve not just as offices or residential complexes, but as symbols of a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.

The influence on architectural thinking

Norman Foster's pursuit of perfection and endless experiments with form and materials demonstrate that architecture can and should transcend the confines of traditional thinking. His work is a living testament to the fact that we achieve results only when we pay homage to both history and contemporary challenges.

And, of course, it is worth noting: his architectural wonders leave a mark not only in the shapes of buildings but also in the hearts of people, inspiring and captivating them.

Inspiration for future generations

Thus, Norman Foster has become not just an architect, but a cultural phenomenon capable of influencing the perception of the environment and transforming it into a more comfortable and beautiful place to live. His legacy will continue to shape global architectural practice, inspiring future generations to create unique spaces.