Xpressionz of an Architect

Swiss Re Headquarters – London, UK, 2004

Norman Foster is known for his high-rises around the world. In the words of the architect the pine cone like structure was the result of aerodynamic experiments which showed this shape provides lowest resistance to wind. It’s a capsule like structure emerging from the city has perfect aesthetic elegance and invokes awe. The net like steel construction allow for support free spaces right up to the core. There are triangular light and air shafts spiraling up to the top. Its concepts of natural lighting and ventilation represent a European style high-rise.

Commerzbank – Frankfurt, Main, Germany, 1997

After twelve years of completion of Hong Kong Shanghai bank, Norman Foster built the Commerzbank in Frankfurt. This was the tallest office building in Europe , a milestone in high-rise construction. Something which amazed me when I read about this building is that the guidelines provided by municipal authorities and clients were very demanding. Building regulations in Germany , contrast to USA, stipulate all office workplaces must have daylight and visual contact with the outside world. So this structure follows the concept of natural ventilation air-conditioning along with natural lighting. There are sky gardens and hanging gardens also offer unique views of the city center. Providing all that along with great architecture sets this architect apart.

Hong Kong Shanghai Bank – Hong Kong, China, 1986

This shows a structural ingenuity which is associative of Norman Foster. This being his first high-rise is the perfect example of globalization of architecture(British Architect and composed of prefab parts around the world). The building is made up of eight masts, each consisting of four steel tubes, divert the total weight of the building onto the foundation. This in turn gave unlimited possibilities for the floor plan. Foster developed innovative lighting for the offices and air-conditioning which is cooled by sea water. That’s an amazing feat to achieve for skyscrapers.

Norman Foster the name invokes well known skyscrapers. I knew about his high rises but when I researched thru his structures, I found out his creations have used the concepts of natural ventilation and daylighting which are in sync with new technology. Architecture of the future will involve using ecological concepts along with the traditional building concepts. Norman Foster has already shown us the direction.