| During the 70's and 80's worked and designed with such prominent figures as Richard Rogers and Peter Rice. In 1971, received 1st prize in international competition for design of the Pompidou Center along with Richard Rogers. In 1988 won 1st prize in international competition for design of passenger's terminal at Kansai International Airport. In 1992, won 1st prize in redevelopment competition for redevelopment work on Potsdamer Platz area for Daimler Benz. In 1985, received Legion d'Honneur award. In 1989, received Cavaliere di Gran
Croce award and R.I.B.A. Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. | | If I was a bird, after flying a great distance I would feel more comfortable landing on a platform that moves with the natural wind currents as opposed to something that tries to resist them. It should be a house that oscillates and rotates with the breeze, responding to the currents as a bird in flight. Thus I believe it is more comforting to the bird to land on a gently moving surface as opposed to a rigid one. At the same time, it is also important that this surface be slightly elevated so that a young bird can easily gain enough speed for stable flight.
As an architect, is it difficult enough to put myself in the spirit of other people --- it is no easier to imagine myself in the spirit of a bird! But as a sailor I know that when you end a long day on rough seas the most comforting feeling is mooring in a quiet bay where the boat still moves, but very gently - much more relaxing than the shock of putting my feet on solid ground. | |
