Foster + Partners
designed the Zayed National Museum, planned to be the largest concentration of premier cultural institutions in the world which is scheduled to open in 2012/2013 as the cornerstone project in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.
designed the Zayed National Museum, planned to be the largest concentration of premier cultural institutions in the world which is scheduled to open in 2012/2013 as the cornerstone project in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.
The 12,000 square metre (130,000 square foot) Museum will recall the life and values of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004), the late Founder and President of the United Arab Emirates.
The Design of the museum is Inspired by the dynamic of flight and the feathers of a falcon, it reflects Sheikh Zayed's love of falconry and creates an iconic symbol for the nation. For the Construction method, Cutting-edge design and materials are combined to create a spectacular addition to the Saadiyat Island skyline.
The gallery space of the museum comprises of steel feathers up to 125 metres where visitors can explore the history and culture of the UAE. The building will be surrounded by water and set within landscaped gardens, creating a destination for all and a worthy tribute to the memory of Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Arabic: زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان), (1918 – 2 November 2004), the principal architect and founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years (1971–2004).
Zayed was the youngest son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the traditional ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. He was named after his famous grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who ruled the emirate from 1855 to 1909. On August 6, 1966 he succeeded his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan, as emir of Abu Dhabi after the latter was deposed in a bloodless palace coup. Zayed was first appointed (by the other six Sheikhs on the Supreme Council) to the presidency of the UAE in 1971 and was reappointed on four further occasions: 1976, 1981, 1986, and 1991. He was considered a relatively liberal ruler, and permitted private media. However, they were expected to practice self-censorship and avoid criticism of Zayed or the ruling families. Read more about sheik zayed at wiki
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Product Description
In this deluxe edition featuring stunning photography, one of the world’s most important architects reflects on the practice of architecture, its place in the world, and its spiritual value. Architecture is not a luxury, insists Norman Foster, but a necessity generated by people’s social, spiritual, and material needs. In a series of essays Foster looks back on four decades of work in which he has provided humanity with places to hope and dream, find solace in a crowded world, and establish order amidst chaos. Thematically arranged in a series of visual chapters, these reflections are woven through elements of Foster’s remarkable career. Duotone photographs of his buildings, including the Reichstag in Berlin, the Carre d’Art in Nimes, the Expo Station in Singapore, the British Museum’s Great Court, and the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters are scattered throughout this magnificently printed and bound volume, making it an exquisite collectors item, as well as a valuable reference for anyone interested in the state of architecture today.
Product Details
Hardcover: 207 pages
Publisher: Prestel Publishing; 1st Ed. edition (November 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9783791334257
ISBN-13: 978-3791334257
ASIN: 3791334255
is one of the most innovative and forward thinking architects at work today. This volume features approximately 1,400 plans, sketches, and photographs of some of Foster s most renowned and celebrated international projects, including Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, Expo Station in Singapore, the Valencia Congress Centre, The Sage Gateshead, the Millau Viaduct in France, and the Swiss Re tower in London, along with numerous other outstanding works. Also included here are examples of Foster s striking product designs and furniture. In addition to offering insights into individual projects, the book contextualises Foster s work, identifying themes and connections across the decades, discussing influences and inspirations, and invoking a host of historical, cultural and architectural references. Above all, this overview reveals the key characteristics of Foster s distinctive design philosophy, showing how his integrity and attention to detail are evident in every built structure that bears the practice s name from the most impressive airport terminal to the most ergonomically functional door handle. 5KVW2Z5Z9XSP
' Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center created quite a buzz in the architecture world. Not only is this the largest tent in the world -- it is also located in Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, which is a difficult environment to erect such an audacious project. Measuring 150 meters tall with a 200 meter radius and 100,000 square meters contained within the translucent canopy. 
traces the development of the Foster studio from its formation in the 1960s to the present. More than 120 buildings and projects are featured in stunning full-color photographs and complemented by architectural sketches and drawings. The book examines the distinctive features of Foster s work and shows the full range of the practice s achievements as urban planners, architects, and industrial designers. Underlying Foster and Partners use of new technologies are concerns with sustainability and environmental issues in their designs. Organized by themes, it includes the studio s latest buildings such as the Beijing Airport along with other important projects such as the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., the Hearst Tower in New York, the Great Court at the British Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the distinctive new headquarters tower for Swiss Re--winner of the 2004 Stirling Prize. Including numerous current works, unbuilt projects such as Foster s design for the World Trade Center competition, as well as buildings that showcase the essential characteristics of Foster s distinctive design philosophy, this book presents the most comprehensive overview of the renowned architect s career to date.
