Richard Rogers was a prominent British-Italian architect best known for his modernist, constructivist, and functionalist designs. He was born on July 23rd, 1933, in Florence, Italy. He died in London on December 18th, 2021.
Rogers received his education at the Architectural Association in London (1954–1959). He graduated with a master’s degree from Yale University in 1962. In his early career (1963–1966), he formed Team 4 with his first wife, Su Brumwell, Wendy Cheesman, and Norman Foster. This was a critical period in the establishment of his transferable and technology-oriented design ideology. He worked with Renzo Piano from 1970 until 1977.
Originally called the Richard Rogers Partnership, he co-founded Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) in 1977. The firm gained notoriety for designing famous structures like the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which was built in collaboration with Renzo Piano. By focusing on openness and involving the general public, Rogers became well-known as an architect. Besides, his innovative blending of form and function in his design for the Lloyd’s London building further added to his reputation. Consequently, after Rogers died in 2022, the practice was renamed RSHP.
Roger’s famous projects include the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, the Millennium Dome in London, and Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. His charisma for urbanism and the environment is usually mirrored by his high-tech, sustainable ideas, which form part of most of his projects. He was a major advisor to the Mayor of London on urbanization and also chaired the UK Government’s Urban Task Force, advocating for the creation of livable and sustainable communities.
Architecture is measured against the past, you build in the present, and try to imagine the future.
Richard Rogers
Among the many honors bestowed upon Rogers were the Praemium Imperiale in 2000, the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2007, and the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. He was appointed a life peer in 1996. His legacy is defined by his distinctive approach to architecture, which combines inventiveness with deep concern for society and the environment.
The following are seven remarkable buildings created by Richard Rogers:
22 Parkside
Year: 1970
Location: Wimbledon, London
The single-story Richard Rogers-designed home at 22 Parkside emphasizes efficiency and adaptability with its modular, prefabricated form. The building type is residential and was formerly occupied by Rogers’ parents. Large glass panels and lightweight steel ribs in the color yellow are used in the construction of the home, which provides seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity and an abundance of natural light.
The home has a felt-covered flat roof, views of the grounds, courtyard, and gardens, and glass walls on the northeast and southwest sides. The idea is to create an inexpensive, versatile living environment through the use of industrial materials, minimalism, and functionality. Its creative approach to living spaces is highlighted by the flexible partitions and open-plan arrangement.
The Centre Pompidou
Year: 1977
Location: Paris, France
Designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, the Centre Pompidou is a landmark example of high-tech architecture. With an inside-out methodology, its radical design philosophy reveals mechanical and structural elements that are generally concealed. Bright colors are used to code different functions on the steel superstructure, with blue representing air, green representing water, yellow representing electricity, and red representing circulation. Transparent façades reveal their active interior, creating a dynamic interplay between the inside and exterior.
The building fosters accessibility and cultural synergy by combining a public library, a museum of modern art, and a center for music and acoustic research. The concept of democratizing architecture is reflected in its design, which promotes adaptability and transparency.
Lloyd’s Building
Year: 1986
Location: Lime Street, London
The ‘inside-out’ strategy and unconventional design of the 1986-completed Lloyd’s structure allow for flexible use of internal areas by exposing services like pipes, elevators, and staircases on the outside of the structure. The structure is made up of three main towers, three service towers, and a rectangular middle area. The 60-meter-tall atrium known as the underwriting room, which is ringed by galleries and connected by escalators, provides support for the structure covered in stainless steel.
The 14-story structure is 95.1 meters tall and has a modular floor plan that enables level changes via walls and partitions. The industrial aesthetics, transparency, and adaptability of Lloyd’s of London’s headquarters design highlight the building’s practical elements.
Millennium Dome
Year: 1999
Location: Greenwich Peninsula, London
Designed by Richard Rogers, the Millennium Dome was completed in 1999. The building’s high-tech design includes a large, circular fabric roof that is held up by twelve yellow masts that represent the hours of a clock and the months of the year, representing the passage of time. The dome’s 365-meter circumference emphasizes its temporal concept by representing the days in a year.
The building was used as an exhibition area for the Millennium Experience, with the original plan being to mark the turn of the millennium. Its adaptable, modular form embodies a philosophy of sustainability and flexibility by enabling varied event hosting. Reimagined as the O2, it serves as a premier performance arena nowadays.
Place of Justice / Antwerp Law Courts
Year: 2006
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
The Palace of Justice in Antwerp has several sail-like roofs that let in natural light while producing a dynamic, sculptural appearance. Situated off the reception area called Salle des Pas Perdus, the structure consists of six courts and offices. The criminal and civil courts for the area are housed in this facility. The ground floor features a sizable staircase leading to the building’s entrance.
The structure comprises two staff underground parking garages, one basement floor, and five above-ground floors. Each of the six wings has three stories devoted to offices. With energy-efficient systems and materials, large glass façades, an elevated public plaza, and sustainable practices, its design encourages transparency, accessibility, and sustainable behaviors.
Terminal 5, Heathrow
Year: 2008
Location: Hounslow, England
Completed in 2008, Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport boasts large, column-free rooms thanks to its broad, curved ceiling, which is supported by an advanced steel frame. The 40-meter-tall, 396-meter-long, and 176-meter-wide terminal structure is divided into three pieces by a massive wave-shaped roof that is supported by lightwells that resemble canyons and tree-like columns.
The Terminal 5 complex includes approximately 100 stores and restaurants, two satellite buildings, a train station, road transport facilities, and a separate building for road transport facilities in addition to Terminal 5A. Large amounts of glass are used to optimize natural light and offer expansive views of the airfield. The terminal is built to comfortably and efficiently accommodate large passenger numbers.
Parc 1
Year: 2022
Location: Yeoui-daero, Seoul
Parc 1, completed in 2022, exemplifies modern architecture excellence with its sleek, red-painted steel columns, trusses, and cables evoking high tech. This mixed-use project in Seoul has two graceful, 333-meter-tall glass-clad towers. The structure houses a hotel, shops, and offices. Transparency and openness are prioritized, with large glazed façades offering panoramic city views and natural light.
The hotel has a rooftop restaurant, bridges connecting the rooms and lounges, and a skylit atrium with red steel columns. Flexible layouts with plenty of natural light and column-free design make office spaces ideal for future expansions. This concept creates a vibrant, cohesive neighborhood, enhances urban fabric, and sets a new standard for mixed-use architecture in the region.
