Norman Foster: Striving for Simplicity | Louisiana Channel

“Quality is an attitude of mind.” The great architectural mastermind of our time, Norman Foster here reflects on a long and prosperous career - and life - with prominent buildings and more than 1,000 employees all over the world.
Foster has always considered technology to be an ally. As a child he was immensely excited by machines and their speed - he spent many hours making sketches of and reading about them. He left school at age 16, did National Service for two years, worked different jobs to earn money, but never abandoned his private world of drawing and dreaming. When he discovered that he as an architect could actually do the things that had always excited him, it simply didn’t feel like work.
Respecting the structure of a city or a place is essential: “I’ve realized the important links between individual buildings and infrastructure.” Architecture has to address the bigger issues and make a difference to the world we live in. Architects can’t solve every problem in the world, but what they can do, however, is to contribute by turning the complex into something simple via shape as well as material and being aware of the “urban glue” that binds everything together: “We have rethought, redesigned, reinvented. We have questioned and gone back to basics.”
Norman Robert Foster (b. 1935) is an English architect and designer, who is considered one of the most prolific architects of his generation. He is the founder of Foster and Partners (1967) and responsible for renowned buildings such as London City Hall and Millennium Bridge (London), Reichstag (Berlin), Bilbao Metro, Hearst Tower (New York), Hong Kong International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport and Apple Spaceship Headquarters (est. 2016). Foster, who is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers and winner of the society’s highest award, The Minerva Medal, has received several awards such as the Pritzker-prize in 1999 (often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture), the Stirling Prize in 1998 and 2004, as well as the Aga Khan Award for Architecture - the biggest architectural award in the world - for the University of Technology Petronas in Malaysia (2007). He was knighted in 1990, and in 1999 he has created a life peer, as Baron Foster of Thames Bank, of Reddish in the County of Greater Manchester.
Norman Foster was interviewed by Marc-Christoph Wagner in his home near Geneva, Switzerland in April 2015.
#Architecture #NormanFoster
Camera: Mathias Nyholm
Edited by: Kamilla Bruus
Music: 'Draw a Blank' by Søren Dahl Jeppesen (from Find the Tune)
Produced by: Marc-Christoph Wagner
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2015
Supported by Nordea-fonden

[@thelouisianachannel]

*Get inspired by the leading architects of the world right here on Louisiana Channel:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJykhH6MlLV2atk&ab_channel=LouisianaChannel

[@mhlengintswane9052]

Oh Mr Foster😩 im about to start my journey (Architecture School) and I'm turning 27 this year...alot has happened in the past that led me to this moment but all i know is the dream of being an architect one day never gave me rest....after watching this interview deep down I know it's worth it..thank you🙏🏾🙂...from 🇿🇦

[@timpayne8397]

I’m 23 and thinking about going to Architecture School next year…I feel too old to start 😬

[@adamaliraqi9928]

@@timpayne8397 i am 22 and i am in dentistry school, and i plan to get into architecture school when I done like when I am 27 , and I m felling too old already

[@Dev1nci]

Which varsity did you choose? How is it going?

[@xatianarsia9999]

I'm 25 and learning interior design, never too late for your dream 🎉

[@missgee1446]

Mr Norrman Foster - youre the man!!!

[@footielad8301]

He's 82! He's so alert and healthy for such an old age. May you keep healthy, and well Norman! I love your design for Two World Trade Center!

[@homesliceadams2730]

wanna know why he seems so healthy, because hes cutting into the brains of babys and drinking their blood just for fucking adrenachrome

[@jackpeters4930]

@@homesliceadams2730 bro you will hopefully one day realise how wrong and mislead u have been your whole life. My grandad is 95 and similar to foster and he just eats and lives healthy. Stop wasting your life saying falsisms

[@lidhiyaputeri]

I gladly rewatch this in my spare time

[@antiv]

Such a joy to watch.

[@studionumberfive]

one of the greatest architect of our time!

[@noaht-s8126]

Looking into becoming an architect, love Norman fosters designs, he inspires me more.

[@kaelmichelle]

What inspirational documental, Thanks Sir Foster long live!

[@evelynramos445]

Thank you Professor Norman Foster!

[@tarcal87]

And that music! Just two note pairs... it kept coming back in my mind days later and had no idea where I heard it until I watched this again

[@MaxamillianStudio]

Beautiful work! Completely taken back by his spirit.

[@evelynramos445]

Blessings to Norman Foster!

[@evelynramos445]

Always great viewing Norman Foster!

[@SamDandashli]

Norman Forster is without a doubt an architect who is inspirational. I really enjoyed viewing this video. Normans view of the world is necessary and its architecture such as his that the world should aspire to exemplify. The built environment is certainly much better with Norman Foster's approach to architecture.

[@thelouisianachannel]

Thanks so much for your comment! We're glad you enjoyed watching our video with Norman Foster.

[@spaceace9680]

thank you for this presentation it was also distilled down to a simple view of complex relationships thanks from the other Louisiana

[@cutiex7357]

Damn... After watching this I feel SO INSPIRED... Thank you!!! The film maker and Norman Foster!

[@abdulabdanahib9617]

One of my favorite architectors

[@louisbuffay1595]

good interview ,I like it very much ,this is the first time I try to understand some one like this

[@HelltoHeaven743]

I can listen him for hours , real gentleman

[@contentstacofficial8810]

He is really inspiring. People like him inspired us to create an educational website filled with resources for architects and interior designers. Please do check us out www.planndesign.com

[@jurisembergs9245]

There are not millions of non-retired persons, talented, in age, who keep doing of what they love to do and is number one.

[@alisonnorcross951]

One of the greatest contemporary architects

[@Nick_structural_engineer]

The Great architect! Respect him very much and always look at his experience in my own activity.

[@emmanuelortiz5632]

What an amazing brain Foster has. The modern Le Courbousier and his machines, great interview.

[@parasmehta5114]

So much to learn...architecture is endless

[@zainabalhassan1404]

such a humble man and down to earth. He's a true inspiration. As an architect my dream is to work along side him.

[@kelebogilemotlogelwa1582]

I also want to work beside him 🤞may our dreams and wishes come true in Jesus name AMEN 🙏

[@hesamsalehi3743]

What an beautiful combination of the movement from cameramen, the building and the soundtrack in the end of the interview.

[@Urbanease]

Thank you very much from Hyderabad, India!

[@tims3817]

What an absolute legend

[@rocha2333]

More than an architect, I see him as an Intelectual reading and modifying the world around him. There are few people like him left.

[@rocha2333]

@Ryex 76 ?

[@TELEVISIBLE]

his buildings are all art 🥰

[@lilastickgirlparti3718]

amazing architect transforming the creative energy for next generations...

[@silence_n1]

What a wonderful talk

[@InDdigital]

Norman Foster architecture is such an influence into my architecture studies. (Am an architecture graduate) The way he approaches architecture, his airport designs, skyscrapers, full of light designs. Amazing. Thanks Great Master

[@wen6919]

Such an inspiring talk! Especially the part that he gave suggestions: "By questioning, and by challenging, by having a degree of determination, and conviction, and enthusiasm, and passion, that you can really make a difference to the world, the everyday world that we all live in." Being so experienced as he is, after so many years, he's still such a dreamer.

[@danderegil]

I'm no architect, but I do appreciate the art of architecture. The intro was a delight to watch, as I'm also a lefty, and my favorite mechanical pencil also a Pentel 0.9mm ! The latter observation made me pause the video and comment before I continue watching it (which I'm sure I will greatly enjoy). I discovered Norman Foster's work at an art exhibit at a contemporary art musuem in my hometown. Thanks for sharing this documentary! : )

[@The_DailyPodcast]

Long live @Norman Foster

[@GBal-bd4de]

I really like Norman Foster's architectural forms with lighting as center of space intimacy, Gerkin geometrical egg head shape is absolutely amazing. Well done Norman

[@davecoleman2593]

What a great documentary, and a really good interview with Norman Foster. Real insight into, and thoughtful and quite profound insight from the man himself. This bears repeated viewing. Many Thanks!

[@diannebrooks7096]

You are so inspiring ❤ Norman my whole time I venture out I can not help but see some of what your eyes see it such a pleasure to know you helped me like we say WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE ALWAYS LOVED

[@Hasinho]

This Man Is A Genius.

[@johnstjohn4705]

What a beautiful mind!

[@augustoiglesias7468]

I love how at the beginning of this video he talks about discovering architecture, you can see his eyes bright up when he talks about it. It’s awesome to see how such a successful architect can still be so down to earth, passionate, and excited about his career. Personally having worked in the industry for over a year as an designer I know not everyone can say they enjoy their job this much. Some projects unfortunately can be a bit soul crushing.

[@ASEANnationsRVina]

I'm a year 2 architecture student watching this. Thank you 😊

[@tayoadeyinka6736]

Finest Mind Sir. Norman Foster, can only strive to raise the Bar its an Honor Sir, brilliant brilliant mind in architecture

[@billwahlang8262]

He explains things with such simple and straightforwardness that leaves with awful and satisfied

[@IMYTnNERDEE2]

last question is so worth the wait

[@davidrojas4687]

I connected in a spiritual level when he was talking of him riding bike.

[@scorpionprincess8799]

Sir Norman Foster is one architect I admire very much, a great genius that brings modern design and top functionality of space so seamlessly together. His great designs will live on forever into the future.

[@moufida8518]

Great man ❤️

[@indicatoker420]

Very, very interesting. The part about artificial light vs natural light uplifting spirits and making sales increase makes so much sense.

[@chillydoog]

Typical rube.

[@michalmr2]

great watch, very inspiring

[@marianinda1563]

El aeropuerto de Mexico me parece una obra de arte . Me parece que han respetado la manera de construirlo con una sensibilidad y respeto digna de Foster y su equipo . Gracias señor foster , Me llega a lo mas profundo de mi sensibilidad .

[@diannebrooks7096]

You still inspire me Norman everything I see now I take in all of the angles and fixtures that held it together you are such a admiral man I'd love to be be there with you I'd love to be drawing one obscure line with you beside me and see where we can take it Think of you so much Dianne Brooks Tenerife Spain

[@jacoblui]

So happy to see in Toronto his building for the Leslie Dan Building at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. And excited about his upcoming 'The One' -- an 80-storey mixed-use building at the corner of Yonge and Bloor!

[@dominicthomas8726]

Fantastic film and what an interesting and inspirational individual Norman Foster is. Thank you :)

[@AlexDeLarge77]

When I was at art school in the late nighties this man was a colossus. Still is, his body of work is just immense. From humble origins too.

[@user-yo7fx2xn8m]

Yes him - I was trying to remember him 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MaZEEZaM]

Fantastic, thanks for showing us this :D

[@YNArchitecture]

Recently his work in Luxembourg, The Royal Hamilius has been completed, beautiful project. I am glad to be part of the construction architects' team in 2018

[@atefmohsen]

love it .. thank you

[@elletuppen4844]

What a brilliant and emancipating mind of our time. Such a lateral and dynamic thinker and gentleman to boot. Thank you for the beauty and the space in it that you create!💞

[@alexdirza8115]

Hello Ellen How are you doing today?

[@georgeredden6196]

Among his many "works" of architecture, I really admire the "Carre d'art" museum in Nimes. It really teaches you how fragile the harmony and grandeur of a place can be and how easily it can be destroyed by an overrated architect with the backing of the corrupt institutions we have nowadays. Truly educational.

[@user-vv6wf5jp6s]

Absolutely fantastic

[@mwmentor]

Great interview... fascinating mind :)

[@mog3656]

Thanks Sir Foster have learnt a lot from you.

[@scottclute9547]

Learnt???

[@AntPDC]

@@scottclute9547 a past tense and past participle of learn

[@raquelisla7368]

Amazing interviewee, because he is a fabulous architec but the interviewer is leveled since he is discreet and chose inteligent questions

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

Thank for sharing. Interesting. To me, architecture is the commingling of art (visual and fine), science, (math, physics, psychology, biology, ecology), history and technology. Always fascinating to be able to hear an architect's input on their works and contributions.

[@twgood5882]

@6:48 #cycling is time for zen-like cross examination and discovery. Genius !

[@libanfarah8716]

i just dont know why i always thinks its the first time am listening to this interview even though i watched it over 50 times.

[@agneswelk2896]

Only s i r norman foster is the Genius architect in our time , I have the greatest respect For his projects all over the World ,wonderful d e s i g n s !!!

[@TheJournalofBiophilicDesign]

Beautiful and inspiring interview with Norman Foster, a true artist architect. "An architect's task is to be a good listener, and to hear the many voices that the needs that building will answer." It's like he sculpts with the light he captures and draws into his buildings. The Maggie's Centre is just one of the most beautiful and "safe" places, very sensitive design embracing nature. Marc-Christoph Wagner is a really good interviewer here too. Thank you!

[@lamindanso1025]

I like Beautifully c

[@olgabusquetsrobles8964]

Grateful, it is an analogic space in contrast to digital.

[@diannebrooks7096]

Still make my heart zing

[@MaZEEZaM]

I wish I could do a kind of apprenticeship with Norman Foster, such an interesting man.

[@dannysze8183]

I was there. you end up being one of the thousand. He will definitely not talk to you and you will learn nothing with long working hours and low pay.

[@Mylifestoriesmaybe]

@@dannysze8183 low pay is relative, in my country 1k a month is an excellent salary. Also, if you were actually working for foster + partners I think you should look at everyone that got there, not only Norman

[@takchengsze4719]

@@Mylifestoriesmaybe then you should try your best to emigrate to the 1st world and do not be an idiot thinking that all star architects are hero. Quitting foster is the best decision I have made. Ken shuttleworth who was one of the senior left with 1/3 of the company staff because the company really sucks.

[@subtitledEN]

@@Mylifestoriesmaybe no, low pay is not relative. You don't compare your expenses in your poor country to a salary someone earns in the UK for example. You compare your expenses to your income, IN THE SAME CITY. Duh!! (you also take into account the amount of hours you work, etc)

[@harshalmohan4395]

@@dannysze8183 how much did they pay you?

[@sanketsarvaiya9705]

Thank you

[@nasimasadiol8796]

Inspirational. He has given a new dimension to the contemporary architecture

[@TheQuantixXx]

hmmm i dont think so to be honest. the renaissance of representative capitalism-embracing architecture/ entrepreneurial architecture was spearheaded by different figures...

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

Fantastic!

[@ChINNg28]

:') such good interview

[@Timatisadyqov]

Inspiring talk 🙌🏻

[@aex6494]

loving it

[@jeromeebella]

I realised today that a lot of building that I could see myself living in it were thought, and designed by this man...

[@kairikaarlaid]

Good questions also in this interview.

[@ArnoldWatson]

As a cyclist myself at the current age of 47, I am utterly impressed with which the capacity, philosophy, and intellect this man pursues life!

[@stevejuror5168]

1 2

[@ARMERZ]

I've known many people your age already giving up at pursuing their dreams when they were young, hopefully you won't let age hinder you, go on good sir!

[@polaris130974]

Bandar Malaysia

[@TheClassicWorld]

In science, it's common to find people like this at age 70-90. Of course, old da Vinci thought he'd try something new and just, you know, invent modern map making.

[@Burps___]

He’s hardly riding the Tour De France. 🚲

[@bemnetsileshi5222]

The Bussiness side of Architecture is also something Norman Forster should share to the world In my opinion, I love your video by the way, the classic with interview is surreal!

[@cowboyingeurope]

Not every man of his degree would be this open, it is but a life lesson. Great interview

[@olgabusquetsrobles8964]

Cowboy's name used childhood in my town as architecture.

[@theoryg]

His buildings are of a great quality and Im no easy sell on various architecture.

[@mohammedtl2508]

This interview is better than a great movie

[@dharnaagehani1981]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/onS8moekdp16odU

[@preetykhedkar1]

genuine indeed!

[@trishhall4522]

Such a renaissance man

[@jordanbizzell5121]

hope to meet him and work under him soon. He is not your typical architect, he and his team strive to change the status quo, to really look at how we can further the world. His practice is founded on the principle of progress. Amazing man, Amazing achievements

[@Mylifestoriesmaybe]

How did it go brother? I'm starting Architecture college this year

[@diannebrooks7096]

You are just so amazing Mr. FOSTER I AM A TRUE FOLLOWER OF YOUR WORK AROUND THE WORLD FROM SIMPLICITY TO OVER THE EDGE AS a doctor i can be there to transplant a heart but to have the imagination of what line goes where to connect the structure is above anything but intriquing your narrative in this video is a like time standing still as i listen to you i have text you afew times and just following you is a pleasure Dianne

[@teddybutragueno338]

Very engaging and informative. Difficult to hear the questions though ...

[@salmiahaziz9470]

Great person. 😍

[@babastructuralbim]

This is a video that so good for more knowledge

[@kpecompl]

hypnotizing

[@edercontreras9754]

Inspiring...

[@Honeypepper.]

this man is very wise

[@drvlive2023]

Finishing this interview made me feel like I'm floating at my bed

[@MaZEEZaM]

Very interesting person, I would love to visit that room with all the architectural models in it.

[@Ergoziser]

he really "foster"s my imagination and understanding of architectural philosophy :)

[@cocaswa]

"Greatest architect of the nineteenth century" - Lucien Kroll

[@dharnaagehani1981]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/onS8moekdp16odU