In an Exclusive Interview, Norman Foster Speaks on AI, Modern Cities, and the Power of Good Design
Summary & Key Highlights
Early Life & Beginnings
Foster grew up in Manchester and left school at 16. To support himself, he worked as a baker and drove an ice cream van while saving for architectural studies. (Architectural Digest)
He did not initially have formal qualifications required for university, but the University of Manchester made an exception: he was allowed to study architecture, though he graduated with a diploma in 1961. (Architectural Digest)
In the early days of his practice (late 1960s), he and his late wife, Wendy Cheesman, shared a small bedsit. Foster took part-time teaching and accepted small commissions to build up his firm. (Architectural Digest)
Philosophy & Approach to Design
Foster sees design as a social agenda: architecture should improve life “materially and spiritually.” (Architectural Digest)
He emphasizes beauty, convenience, sustainability, resilience, and working in harmony with nature when envisioning communities. (Architectural Digest)
He believes that history offers lessons for modern urban resilience: “cities in crisis always bounce back stronger.” He cites examples like the Great Fire of London, Lisbon earthquakes, or cholera in New York as times that spurred major urban transformation. (Architectural Digest)
Foster also talks about the tension and balance between innovation and historical context: “we question, we challenge, and wherever possible, we innovate. … we are always aware of the historical dimension.” (Architectural Digest)
Technology & AI in Architecture
He acknowledges that architecture and design have long incorporated digital tools (he began with hand drawing). (Architectural Digest)
Foster regards AI and digital modeling as powerful tools that allow simulations and analysis before physical construction. They enable community engagement and more foresight in design. (Architectural Digest)
But even so, he underlines the human dimension — that design must involve dialogue, especially for clients or community projects. (Architectural Digest)
Current Work & Outlook
At age 90 (as of the interview), Foster remains active, with 95 projects underway in 49 cities. (Architectural Digest)
His passions include skiing and mentoring young designers, both through his firm and via the Norman Foster Foundation. (Architectural Digest)
His advice to emerging architects: take on any project that allows innovation (even humble ones), and don’t be discouraged by failure. He suggests that even in losing a competition, one can gain insights and grow. (Architectural Digest)
If you like, I can also extract a few standout quotes (verbatim) or discuss how these insights relate to specific Foster projects. Would you like me to do that?
