Recognized as one of the world's great architects, Norman Foster (born 1935) is known for his complementary yet ultra-modern redesigns of classic buildings and for his simple, streamlined new structures. Called the "hero of high-tech," his architectural signature is a design that opens a building up to the public, is mindful of the environment, and saves money by using modern materials and advanced technology.

Norman Foster was born on June 1, 1935 in Manchester, England. From 1956 to 1962 he studied architecture at Manchester University's School of Architecture and at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1963, he founded the Team 4 architectural practice along with Richard and Sue Rogers and Wendy Cheeseman, whom he later married.

Foster and his wife founded Foster Associates in London in 1967. This innovative firm was noted for its dedication to architectural detail and craftsmanship. Use was often made of prefabricated off-site manufactured elements and special components we re...