Sir Norman Foster does it again, and again, and…
Interesting article in The Independent on the similarities and differences between two major museums that both received a glass covered courtyard by British architect Sir Norman Foster. Courtyards have become something of a Foster speciality. In the 90’s he designed the Great Court at the British Museum, and in the last few years he and his team created the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard – named for it sponsors - at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., which opened last November.
Foster was eager to rekindle the history of the Smithsonian as a social-events building providing a large public living room for people in Washington. This kind of space, whether it’s totally enclosed, partially enclosed, or completely open, is something that Foster has developed as a theme in buildings over many years.
The renovated Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Washington by Foster + Partners.
Great Court at the British Museum (London, UK, 1994-2000) by Foster + Partners.
Other examples of Foster-designed “urban living rooms” include the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia, where visitors can view works of art in a relaxed setting, and the Sage music centre in Gateshead, where the main level is accessible all year round whether a concert is taking place or not. The Kogod Courtyard even features free wireless internet access.
However, Foster’s spectacular glass additions for existing spaces do not always receive a positive response. Referring to the Great Court at the British Museum, fellow-architect Rem Koolhaas has accused Foster of turning an icon of the Enlightenment into a kitschy homage to the Mall of America, as was reported in The New Yorker.
Visit website Foster + Partners
Read article (The New York Times, November 19, 2007)
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