Sir Norman in Motion
The indefatigable Norman Foster has been on my mind lately. I saw in the press his proposed plans for temporary accommodation for the Houses of Parliament whilst the Palace of Westminster is being restored. Or rather when and if it is restored, given that nothing has been agreed as yet. The suggested glass domed 'pop-up' structures to be built on Horse Guards Parade look to me like a brilliant idea. Pre-fabricated, they can be installed quickly and then taken away and re-used afterwards, Just a stone's throw away from Parliament Square, also very convenient. One objection I read, was that the Queen would have no place for Trooping the Colour - the least of all problems surely, given the expense of the whole vast restoration and re-housing project?
Secondly, Sir Norman's vision was also showcased at the 'Cartier in Motion' exhibition at the Design Museum. Intrigued as to what he might bring to the story, I visited last weekend with my architect godson. The amazing ingenuity and design engineering of the aviator Santos-Dumont and his friend Cartier were beautifully displayed by curator Sir Norman. The influence on art and architecture of those interwar years of pioneering travel was illustrated via specially designed exhibition cases and well written graphic panels and with superb models - all the handiwork of Foster+ Partners studios. I'm afraid, dear reader, that it is too late to visit the exhibition because as it has just closed. But don't let that put you off investing in Cartier. Having seen the exhibition, I'd recommend the iconic Santos - almost tempted to buy one myself!
Secondly, Sir Norman's vision was also showcased at the 'Cartier in Motion' exhibition at the Design Museum. Intrigued as to what he might bring to the story, I visited last weekend with my architect godson. The amazing ingenuity and design engineering of the aviator Santos-Dumont and his friend Cartier were beautifully displayed by curator Sir Norman. The influence on art and architecture of those interwar years of pioneering travel was illustrated via specially designed exhibition cases and well written graphic panels and with superb models - all the handiwork of Foster+ Partners studios. I'm afraid, dear reader, that it is too late to visit the exhibition because as it has just closed. But don't let that put you off investing in Cartier. Having seen the exhibition, I'd recommend the iconic Santos - almost tempted to buy one myself!