Last year, on my birthday in July, my friends and I took our spots on the streets of Paris for the final stage of the Tour de France. I’m truly addicted to these celebrations, the energy, and the vibrant atmosphere. Like most major cities—New York, Lisbon, and Istanbul—Paris is fantastic for being a tourist but quite challenging to truly live in. The upside? It’s also a flexible and cosmopolitan micro-world within a country.

You can find hundreds of guides, to-do lists, and must-see recommendations about Paris, and most of them will include the iconic cultural and art complex, the Pompidou Centre, located right in the heart of the city. Beyond its temporary exhibitions, it houses an incredible art museum, boasts a prime location, and stands as a modern architectural icon. That’s why, in my opinion, it’s an absolute must-see!

As we walked from the train station toward Notre-Dame, wondering if there was anything new at the Pompidou Centre, we spotted an exhibition by one of modern architecture’s leading figures, Norman Foster. Of course, we couldn’t miss such an opportunity that landed right at our feet—we rushed inside with excitement!

Am I lucky? I’m not sure, but I do know that I love being on the road, chasing my own luck. :)

Before diving into the exhibition, let me briefly introduce the Pompidou Centre. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, this architectural masterpiece defies traditional building norms. Instead of concealing its structural and mechanical systems, it boldly displays them on the exterior, giving it an industrial aesthetic with exposed pipes, staircases, and elevators painted in vibrant colors. This design choice not only emphasizes the building’s functions but also transforms it into a work of art in itself!

Inside, it’s a cultural powerhouse, home to art galleries, a library, a cinema, a theater, and even a restaurant with a breathtaking view—a must-visit spot for any art and architecture enthusiast!

Cultural Powerhouse

Home to art galleries, a library, a cinema, a theater, and even a **restaurant with a breathtaking view**—a must-visit spot for any art and architecture enthusiast!

Additionally, the Musée National d’Art Moderne, an internationally renowned museum showcasing modern and contemporary art, is also located here. As you explore, you’ll find countless masterpieces that will undoubtedly knock on the door of your soul.

To inspire the gallery experience, I’m adding a few visuals—now, let’s dive into Norman Foster’s exhibition!

Norman Foster is a name almost anyone with an interest in architecture, modernism, and art would recognize. He is one of the pioneers of contemporary architecture, and chances are, if you’ve been to London, you’ve seen one of his most iconic buildings—30 St Mary Axe. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, a quick search for 30 St Mary Axe, London will surely refresh your memory!

In all of Foster’s designs, you can distinctly notice perfectionism, innovation, and aesthetics. Every detail in his structures is carefully considered and meticulously integrated into the project. But his work isn’t just about buildings—it’s about transforming how people experience space and their surroundings. His iconic structures feel like works of art, where glass and steel perform an elegant dance, creating timeless architectural masterpieces.

This exhibition offers a detailed journey through Norman Foster’s collaborations with his partners and colleagues, highlighting his pioneering work in sustainability and future-oriented design since the 1960s. His projects span six continents, shaping iconic buildings, structures, and urban spaces worldwide. As you explore, you witness how his firm has challenged traditions—not only by reimagining offices, skyscrapers, and international airports but also by revitalizing historic buildings, all in pursuit of a better quality of life and a zero-carbon future.

One remarkable aspect of the exhibition is that Foster himself wrote the accompanying texts, ensuring a direct connection with visitors. The first section, the Drawing Gallery, reveals that in 1975, Foster developed the habit of carrying an A4 notebook to sketch and write. For him, sketching is a way of life, and every design begins with a drawing. The sheer number of sketches on display is astonishing—you can’t help but admire them. Some people are truly born to create.

Another key theme in the exhibition is "Nature and Urbanism." Foster describes this design philosophy as follows:

"These are two parallel worlds that creatively intersect. We can preserve nature by forming dense urban clusters. We can blend into the landscape. By integrating nature into our cities and buildings, we can humanize spaces."

These principles have inspired Foster since the 1960s, and he emphasizes that his team continues to refine them based on the latest scientific research.

Moving forward, you come across Foster's perspective on vertical urbanization. He emphasizes that the skyscraper is the symbol of the modern age and reminds us that the city is undoubtedly civilization’s greatest invention.

He highlights that a vertically structured community with efficient public transportation serves as a model for sustainability. One striking example is the 30 St Mary Axe—the glass and steel tower known for its energy efficiency and sustainability.

(Bonus tip: If you ever visit London, make sure to go to the top floor of this building and enjoy the famous afternoon tea at the Helix restaurant! ☕✨)

In the exhibition, Foster elaborates on his work in urban transportation and infrastructure, explaining his approach to Networks and Mobility in projects. He states:

"The mobility of people, goods, and information requires physical infrastructure, whether on Earth, in space, or on another planet."

He goes on to highlight the growth of high-speed rail networks and air travel, noting that this expansion has provided an opportunity to rethink and redesign airports. If you're interested, you can delve into the details of the Kuwait International Airport project via the provided link.

I love chatting and telling stories as much as I love writing, and I find it hard to stop myself :) I'm adding photos from the exhibition, and I hope they inspire everyone who reads it.