Is This Norman Foster’s “Coolest” Project In Years?

Architizer News

Is This Norman Foster’s “Coolest” Project In Years?

March 6, 2013

The last time we checked in with Norman Foster, he was planning to 3D print lunar base using materials harvested from the moon. (Moon rocks? Moon-stuff?) Back on earth, the famed architect found some time to toss off this striking pavilion in Marseilles, France. The reflective structure, whose minimalism has shades of SANAA in it, shows us a more youthful side to Lord Foster that we haven’t seen in a long time. Click through for more.

Essentially a large canopy, the Vieux Port Pavilion shades pedestrians walking along Marseilles’ harborfront promenade, a World-Heritage site. The simple structure consists of thin steel columns — though not SANAA-thin — that support a lightweight 46 X 22 meter roof plane. This polished stainless steel ceiling reflects the crowds beneath it, as well as the water, boats, and granite surface of the walkway; in doing so, the pavilion absorbs and projects a concise, yet complex picture of urban life and activity.