TED Talks: Norman Foster

Architect Norman Foster discusses his own work to show how computers can help architects design buildings that are green, beautiful and 'basically pollution-free.' From the 2007 DLD Conference, in Munich.

From museums and banks to airports and bridges, from apartment buildings to the Reichstag, in the past 35 years Norman Foster's beautiful and efficient designs have dramatically changed the character of cities (think of the London Gherkin) and landscapes (the Viaduc de Millau) around the world.

A common philosophy connects all of them, starting with social responsiveness and the use of natural resources (ventilation, light). Some of Foster's work has sparked controversy (such as his pyramid in Astana, Kazakhstan), but he has never ignored a chance to rewrite the rules of architecture, be it by tackling audaciously huge construction projects or by designing wind turbines and partly-solar-powered electric buses.
'Foster's style is seen as very much that of the new millennium -- clean, unfettered and environmentally aware.'
BBC News