Arhitecture at Everest - Semester 2: Week 3 Post 3

Intersession
Architecture and Design
Audie Santos
6/4/13

June 4th, 2013

Documentary: Norman Foster

Norman Foster in the flesh. 78 years of age.

Today, the focus of the documentary was on the architect Norman Foster. An architect who was alive during the time of World War 2,  became fascinated with planes and let his passion for them influence his architecture today. His humble beginnings started in Stockport England 1935. The start of the 2nd World War. During the bombings of his house, he would look up and try to guess and deduct which kind of planes were bombing his house. He later in life he drew pictures of planes and buildings in the R.A.F (Royal Air Force). After he retired from the R.A.F. one of his officers recommended him a job as an architect. It was the perfect job for him.

http://de.structurae.de/persons/data/index.cfm?id=d000042


One of Fosters's most recognized works is the Swiss Re Headquarters in London. The Swiss Re is one of the sky scrappers of London and is one the most recognizable buildings due to its unique egg shape. The elongated shape is 41 stories tall. There is 46,000 square meters of space all in all. At the very point of the building is a club. This club provides a 360 degree view of London. The entire building functions as a center of commerce. Also around along the edges of the building, is a large spiral staircase leading up and down towards different sections of the building. While on this stair case, one can see all of London.

The full view of the Swiss Re Headquarters.

http://www.eikongraphia.com/?p=300