Manchester-Born Architect Reaches New Heights!
A Tribute to Lord Norman Foster of Thames Bank
This is a story of a knight and his towers.
Once upon a time, Norman Foster was born in the land of Manchester. After working in numerous jobs - from working in ice-cream sales and being a night-club bouncer to training in electronics and aviation in the RAF ?? Norman was employed by the Manchester-based architectural firm, John Bearshaw and Partners.
Norman went on to obtain a degree in architecture at Manchester University and travelled to the far-off land of America to study for a Masters Degree at Yale University.
In 1967, he established the London-based architect firm, Fosters Associates, which later became Fosters and Partners. This architecture firm gained world-wide recognition for excellence in structural engineering and building design, skyscrapers, interior design, exhibitions, and airports across the Globe, including Europe, United States, Japan, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. Projects include: Millau Viaduct, France, Reichstag German Parliament Building, Berlin, HSBC Headquarters, Hong Kong and London, and Research Centre Buildings at Stanford University, California
Throughout his impressive career, Norman has built an impressive portfolio and has been awarded for his architectural quest many times over, which include the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture 1983, Gold Medal of the French Academy of Architecture 1991,
American Institute of Architects?? Gold Medal for Architecture 1994, 21st Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate 1999, and Praemium Imperiale Award for Architecture 2002
In 1990, in recognition of his commitment to architecture, Norman Foster received a knighthood. Nine years later, Sir Norman Foster was honoured with a Life Peerage and was granted the honourable title of Lord Foster of Thames Bank
From his humble beginnings in Manchester, Lord Norman Foster has established an international reputation for excellence in architecture.
And he lives happily ever architect??
Submitted by: Shelley Deasey, SETPOINT Greater Manchester, 26 January 2006
