Architects, students and those with an interest in design and architecture will get the rare chance of seeing small-scale models of world-famous architectural firm Foster + Partners’ most outstanding designs at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) until June 29.
The 30 St Mary Axe, the eco-friendly skyscraper in London.
“Foster + Partners: The Art of Architecture” is themed around infrastructure, urban design, history and culture, all within the context of a sustainable agenda, and highlights the diversity of the practice’s work.
The small-scale models include some of the world’s best-known architectural marvels, including the Millau Viaduct (the world’s tallest road bridge in France), the 30 St Mary Axe )eco-friendly skyscraper in London known as The Gherkin because of its shape) and Beijing Capital International Airport — one of the world’s largest buildings. There will be more than 80 of Norman Foster’s design models and original sketches, as well as other Foster + Partners’ noteworthy items.
Another highlight of the exhibition is a lecture on “Integrated Design” delivered by senior partner and head of design at Foster + Partners, David Nelson, who was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2002. Other architects due to deliver lectures include Toby Blunt, who will speak on “Sustainable Design” and Sunphol Sorakul whose topic will be “Design a Better City”. “Sustainability has always been a central theme of our work. We believe that the best architecture comes from finding a balance between old and new, whether that means retrofitting existing cities or creating sustainable new communities,” said Nelson.
“The projects on display demonstrate how the international scope of our work has widened over the past 40 years. But regardless of the changing nature of architectural practice, the same set of values underpins every design, in spite of its size or type. Everything is driven by the same pursuit of quality,” he added. “The exhibition explores how the different teams in our studio work together — and how, when it comes to design and innovation, this integrated thinking sets Foster + Partners apart.”
The exhibition will travel to 13 countries around the world and Thailand is the fourth location in Asia, after Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. Both the exhibition and lectures are open to students, architects and members of the public.
‘Foster + Partners: The Art of Architecture’ will be shown in the Main Gallery in the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan. Opening hours are 10am to 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday until June 29. Visit www.bacc.or.th.
The Millau Viaduct, the world's tallest cable-stayed bridge.
Beijing Capital International Airport, one of the world’s largest buildings.
