{"id":538,"date":"2025-03-11T12:46:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T13:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/?p=538"},"modified":"2025-03-11T23:08:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T23:08:11","slug":"new-man-united-stadium-architect-norman-fosters-six-most-iconic-buildings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/11\/new-man-united-stadium-architect-norman-fosters-six-most-iconic-buildings\/","title":{"rendered":"New Man United stadium architect Norman Foster\u2019s six most iconic buildings"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Architectural legend Norman Foster is in charge of building Manchester United\u2019s new stadium (Picture: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Manchester United<\/a> have finally unveiled their ambitious new plans to build a new stadium \u2013 and have enlisted one of the world\u2019s best architects to oversee it.<\/p>\n

Norman Foster, 89, has been tasked with bringing United\u2019s new stadium to life<\/a> and regenerating the surrounding area, in a project which Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claims could be \u2018bigger and better than London<\/a> 2012.\u2019<\/p>\n

But the Stockport-born architect is no stranger to pressure, having designed some of the world\u2019s most iconic buildings along with stadiums such as Wembley<\/a> and Barcelona\u2019s Camp Nou.<\/p>\n

Widely considered a living legend for his bold, futuristic designs, the new United stadium could be one of Foster\u2019s crowning achievements to date, transforming not just the football club\u2019s fortunes but that of the entire surrounding area.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Undated\t<\/div>
Man United\u2019s new stadium is tipped to be \u2018bigger than London 2012\u2019 (Picture: Foster + Partners\/PA Wire)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tGet personalised updates on Manchester United every day\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro\u2019s Football Newsletter. <\/p>\n

Sign up to our newsletter<\/a> and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Alongside his plans for Old Trafford, Foster has also drawn up a masterplan for the areas around the grounds in the Salford Quays, which includes homes and workspaces \u2018which will benefit the local community\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The stadium meanwhile, will feature a public plaza which is reportedly \u2018twice the size of Trafalgar Square\u2019 and three 200m-high masts \u2013 described as \u2018the trident\u2019 \u2013 to support the lightweight roof.<\/p>\n

Describing his vision for the new stadium, Foster said:\u00a0 \u2018It starts with the idea of making something which is so intense it brings you close to the pitch. Acoustically it cultivates the roar.<\/p>\n

\u2018As you move away from the stadium, it is not a fortress surrounded by a sea of cars. It\u2019s contained by an umbrella that harvests solar energy and rainwater and encloses arguably the largest public space in the world.\u2019<\/p>\n

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The Gherkin is one of London\u2019s most iconic buildings (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe), London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Arguably his most famous building, The Gherkin is Norman Foster\u2019s love letter to London\u2019s skyline. Completed in 2004, this iconic glass tower is as functional as it is beautiful. Its distinctive curved shape isn\u2019t just for show\u2014it\u2019s a masterstroke of energy efficiency, designed to reduce wind turbulence and maximize natural light.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The building\u2019s spiraling glass panels create a stunning visual effect, while its open-plan interior fosters collaboration and creativity. As Foster himself put it, \u2018The Gherkin is a building that changes with the light, reflecting the sky and the city around it.\u2019<\/p>\n

But the Gherkin isn\u2019t just a pretty face. Its innovative design includes a series of atriums that allow natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The building\u2019s energy consumption is half that of a traditional skyscraper, making it a pioneer in sustainable design. It\u2019s not just a skyscraper; it\u2019s a symbol of London\u2019s modernity and ambition.<\/p>\n

The Gherkin has become a cultural icon, appearing in films, postcards, and even video games. It\u2019s a testament to Foster\u2019s ability to create architecture that is both groundbreaking and deeply connected to its urban context.<\/p>\n

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The German parliament building \u2013 the Reichstag \u2013 was redeisnged by Foster in 1999 (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reichstag Building, Berlin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Foster\u2019s redesign of the Reichstag in 1999 is a powerful fusion of history and innovation. The addition of a glass dome atop the historic German parliament building is both a visual marvel and a symbol of transparency in government.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Visitors can walk up the dome\u2019s spiraling ramps and look down into the legislative chamber, a design choice that Foster described as \u2018a metaphor for openness and democracy.\u2019 The dome also reflects natural light into the building, reducing energy consumption.<\/p>\n

The project was not without its challenges, as Foster had to balance the need to modernize the building with the responsibility of preserving its historical significance. The original 19th-century facade was meticulously restored, while the interior was completely reimagined to meet the needs of a modern parliament.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The result is a building that respects its past while embracing the future. The Reichstag\u2019s dome has become a must-see attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. It\u2019s a perfect example of how his work can bridge the gap between history and modernity.<\/p>\n

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Aerial view of Wembley Stadium in London, England (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wembley Stadium, London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wembley Stadium is more than just a sports venue\u2014it\u2019s a national icon. Foster\u2019s 2007 redesign transformed it into one of the most impressive stadiums in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 133-meter-tall arch is the centerpiece, not only providing structural support but also becoming a defining feature of London\u2019s skyline. The arch eliminates the need for obstructive columns, ensuring that all 90,000 spectators have an unobstructed view of the action. Foster described the project as \u2018a celebration of sport and community,\u2019 and it\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n

The stadium\u2019s retractable roof and state-of-the-art facilities make it a versatile venue for football, concerts, and other events. But it\u2019s the emotional connection that sets Wembley apart. For many, it\u2019s a place of dreams, where history is made and memories are forged.<\/p>\n

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London City Hall and Tower Bridge (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

City Hall, London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

London\u2019s City Hall, completed in 2002, is a bold statement of civic pride and sustainability. Its unusual, bulbous shape isn\u2019t just eye-catching\u2014it\u2019s designed to reduce surface area and improve energy efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The building\u2019s spiral ramp, inspired by the Guggenheim Museum, encourages interaction and openness among staff and visitors. Foster described it as \u2018a building that reflects the transparency and accessibility of modern government.\u2019<\/p>\n

City Hall\u2019s design also incorporates a range of eco-friendly features, including a ground-source heat pump and solar panels.<\/p>\n

The building\u2019s orientation minimizes solar gain, reducing the need for air conditioning. Inside, the open-plan layout fosters collaboration and innovation, reflecting the dynamic nature of city governance.<\/p>\n

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Battersea Power Station is one of London\u2019s most famous landmarks (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Battersea Power Station, London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of London\u2019s most beloved landmarks, Foster\u2019s renovation of Battersea Power Station has breathed new life into this historic icon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the power station was transformed into a mixed-use development under Foster\u2019s guidance, preserving the building\u2019s iconic chimneys and Art Deco details while introducing modern elements like luxury apartments, offices, and public spaces.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The restoration was a famously monumental undertaking, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the building\u2019s history. <\/p>\n

The result is a vibrant hub that honors the past while embracing the future, which has seen the power station\u2019s vast turbine halls repurposed as retail and event spaces, while the surrounding area has been redeveloped into a thriving neighborhood.<\/p>\n

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Kazakhstan\u2019s Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (Picture: Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Kazakhstan<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Located in the Kazakh capital of Astana, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a striking pyramid designed to symbolize unity and harmony.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Completed in 2006, the building is a cultural and spiritual center, housing a concert hall, museum, and library. Its glass facade reflects the vast Kazakh steppe, while its interior is bathed in natural light.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The pyramid\u2019s apex is crowned with a stained-glass window featuring doves, a universal symbol of peace. Inside, the spaces are designed to promote dialogue and understanding, reflecting the building\u2019s mission as a center for global harmony.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Foster described the pyramid\u2019s design as \u2018a timeless form that transcends cultural boundaries,\u2019 and the Palace is widely seen as a testament to his ability to create architecture that is both meaningful and magnificent.<\/p>\n

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

For more stories like this, <\/strong>check our news page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Architectural legend Norman Foster is in charge of building Manchester United\u2019s new stadium (Picture: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino) Manchester United have finally unveiled their ambitious new plans to build a new stadium \u2013 and have enlisted one of the world\u2019s best architects to oversee it. Norman Foster, 89, has been tasked with bringing United\u2019s new stadium […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":540,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=538"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":549,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/538\/revisions\/549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}