Architecture Is The Art of Building

I believe passionately that architecture is a social art

—a necessity and not a luxury—

That it is concerned with the quality of life and the creation of benefits.

This focus on the social dimension acknowledges that architecture is generated by the needs of people

—both spiritual and material. it has much to do with optimism, joy, and reassurance—

Of order in a disordered world,

Of privacy in the midst of many,

Of space on a crowded site,

Of light on a dull day.

It is about quality:

The quality of the space and the poetry of the light that models it.

For me, architecture is the art of building.

I am interested too in the way that the design process can question our assumptions about buildings

And can reconcile needs which are often in conflict.

Sometimes this process can lead through innovation to the reinvention of a building type.

In that sense, design is a process of integration.

by Norman Foster

Aspiration And Inspiration

As a child I was always interested in sketching and drawing and making things.

I was fascinated by model aircraft and construction kits which were called “trix” and “meccano”.

I worry about students who might feel that the power of sophisticated equipment has somehow rendered the humble pencil if not obsolete, then certainly second rate.

I have never been embarrassed to state what might be self-evident,

So it will come as no surprise to suggest that the pencil and computer are,

If left to their own devices, equally dumb and only as good as the person driving them.

by Norman Foster

Design Is About Integration

The best architecture comes from a synthesis of all the elements

That separately comprise a building,

From its relationship to the streetscape

Or skyline to the structure that holds it up;

The services that allow it to work;

The ecology of the building;

The material used;

The character in the spaces;

The aesthetic dimension and the beauty of light and shade;

The symbolism of the form;

And the way in which it signals its presence in the city or the countryside.

I think that holds true whether you are creating a landmark or deferring to a historical setting.

by Norman Foster