From our article you will learn where the style came fromHi-tech, who built the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, why it is fashionable not to hide pipes and, finally, who is Richard Rogers? Today, the British Richard Rogers celebrates his 81st birthday. He is one of the most influential architects of our time and the founder of the hi-tech style. Richard Rogers spent his early childhood in Florence, then moved to Great Britain with his family. At the age of 22, he began studying at the most famous architectural school in the capital, where he learned the basics from such significant figures as James Stirling and Peter Smithson. A scholarship allowed the young architect to go to America to continue his studies, now at Yale University. It was there that he found a friend and a kindred spirit - Norman Foster, and was also inspired by the scale of construction and the endless possibilities of American architecture.
In 1963, upon returning to London, Rogersand Foster, together with their wives, founded the architectural bureau "Team 4". The magnificent four were mainly engaged in the design of private houses. The team existed for only 4 years, but it was during this time that critics described their joint work as high-tech.
After some time, Rogers began a jointwork with the Italian architect Renzo Piano. The main result of their partnership was the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which shocked the public with its unusual appearance. The museum opened its doors to visitors in 1977. Despite harsh criticism, over time it became an icon of modern Parisian architecture and the main building in the high-tech style. It is the most striking example of Rogers' signature "handwriting", where the interior of the building is clean and simple, and the exterior is a complex mechanical composition.
To free up internal spaceThe Pompidou Center, designed for exhibition halls, the architects made a bold decision to put all the communications and elevators on the facade. Note the bright colors: Rogers has a special passion for them. Later, this became one of the characteristic features of the high-tech style: unsightly technical elements were no longer hidden, they began to be taken outside, painted and made into a decoration of the building. Here are some more distinctive features of this style: the use of high technology, a flexible floor plan, an emphasis on functionality, a minimum of decor, straight lines, simple shapes and artificial materials. From an aesthetic point of view, this is a rather rigid style.
Cities are the framework of society, the heart of our culture.
Richard Rogers Another "monster" withThe inside-out building designed by Rogers is the Lloyd's office building in London's financial centre, built in 1986. It is a true masterpiece and – with such a futuristic appearance – almost the main attraction of the city.
On the occasion of the millennium celebrations, the Britishcreated the exhibition complex "Millenium Dome" on the banks of the Thames. A huge flying saucer with antennas sticking out in all directions - these are the associations that first arise when looking at it. Due to the fact that the project did not meet expectations, being unprofitable, it had to be closed. Currently, the dome is part of an entertainment complex.
Design of Terminal 4 at Madrid AirportBarajas has been praised for its architectural clarity and transparency: in 2006, the structure won the Stirling Prize. The terminal occupies a huge area. It is a labyrinth. But everything is designed so clearly that you will never get lost there.
Richard Rogers is already 81 years old, but despiteso many years of life, here is what he says about himself: "Of course, I know very little about architecture. And the older I get, the less I know." Today, he continues to design buildings, and since 1977, he has headed his own company, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. In addition, he is an active lecturer and teacher.
The main features of the high-tech style in the interior.
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