Norman Foster

Norman Foster is the founder and chairman of foster + Partners. He was born in Manchester in 1935. After graduating from Manchester University of Architecture and City Planning in 1961 he won a Henry fellowship to Yale University, where he gained a master’s degree in Architecture. 

Norman designed a bridge called Millau Viaduct set in Millau, Southern France from 1993 to 2004. He wanted the architecture of the infrastructure to have a powerful impact of the bridge and its environment.

As he designed the bridge in a close collaboration with constructed engineers it follows the millennium bridge over River Thames. Crossing the River Tarn as it runs through a spectacular gorge between two high plateaux. And the spanning of the bridge is at 2.46km from one plateau to another in the most economical and elegant manner.

Norman also wanted the bridge to be a cable stayed structure to delicate and transparent and to have the optimum span between columns. It has the highest pylons built in order to become the highest and tallest road bridge deck structure in France and Europe. Each of its section spans at 342m and its piers range in height from 75m to 245m, with the masts rising a further 87m above the road deck.