Architecture

Norman Foster at 90: Designing the Future Through Glass and Steel

Nowhere is Norman Foster’s architectural legacy more visible than in London, where several of his most iconic works reside.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo June 1, 2025

Norman Foster stands as a towering figure in modern architecture, whose work has reshaped the skylines of cities around the world / Photo via Norman Foster Foundation

As he reaches his 90th birthday on June 1, Norman Foster stands as a towering figure in modern architecture, whose work has reshaped the skylines of cities around the world.

Widely recognized for his pioneering use of high-performance materials and sustainable design, Foster has spent decades pushing the boundaries of innovation while remaining grounded in the practical needs of urban life. From sculptural skyscrapers to cutting-edge civic spaces, his projects reflect a consistent vision: fusing form, function, and environmental consciousness.

Among them is the unmistakable 180-meter tower popularly known as “the gherkin.” Officially the former Swiss Re building, it debuted in 2004 with a distinctive glass and steel structure that not only catches the eye but also significantly reduces energy consumption.

Its aerodynamic design allows natural airflow throughout the building, while expansive glazed panels flood the interiors with daylight—resulting in an impressive 50% reduction in energy use compared to conventional skyscrapers.

Architect of the future

Foster’s New City Hall, perched along the Thames, continues this theme of functionality meeting sustainability. With its egg-shaped profile tilted at a thirty-degree angle, the building cleverly minimizes sun exposure from the south while welcoming northern light. It is emblematic of Foster’s philosophy that modern buildings must address global environmental challenges by reducing dependence on artificial energy systems.

Further afield, Foster made headlines in Berlin with his transformation of the Reichstag. Though his initial concept to completely encase the structure in glass was rejected, he instead designed a remarkable glass dome above the parliamentary chamber.

This dome features a spiraling ramp that provides panoramic views of the city and integrates a mirrored light-tracking system that guides sunlight into the chamber below. The structure also plays a role in natural air circulation, symbolizing transparency in both design and democratic governance.

Sustainability in steel

In the engineering realm, Foster’s boldest feat may well be the Millau Viaduct in France, a bridge that gracefully spans the Tarn Valley. Supported by seven slender concrete pylons—one of which rises to 343 meters, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower—the viaduct holds the title of the tallest bridge in the world. Its streamlined structure enhances traffic efficiency between northern France and the Mediterranean, combining elegant design with critical infrastructure development.

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In 2024, Norman Foster’s firm Foster + Partners was tapped by Manchester United to lead a major urban redevelopment around the historic Old Trafford stadium. Their proposal, unveiled in March 2025, outlines a transformative vision for the area—further solidifying Foster’s place as a designer not only of buildings but of vibrant, functional communities.

Whether reshaping city centers or redefining sustainability in construction, Norman Foster continues to influence how we live, work, and move through space. As he turns 90, his body of work speaks not only to technical brilliance but to an enduring belief in architecture’s potential to improve lives.

Key information

How old is Norman Foster in 2025? He turns 90 in June 2025.
What innovative feature did Foster add to the Reichstag dome? A light-guiding mirror system and spiral ramp offering public views.
What is the height of the tallest pylon in the Millau Viaduct? 343 meters—19 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Which soccer club hired Foster for a major urban plan? Manchester United commissioned him in 2024.

Norman Foster at 90: Designing the Future Through Glass and Steel

Architect of the future

Sustainability in steel

Key information

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