May 20, 2008
Norman Foster has been named ‘Britain’s Best 2008’ for ‘his ground-breaking designs around the world’. Accepting the award by video link to a ceremony attended by Gordon Brown, he beat stiff competition from J K Rowling, Damien Hirst and ‘Atonement’ Director, Joe Wright to win the Arts category.
There were seven award categories in total, with one award presented in each to ‘honour those that have achieved the highest level of international acclaim in their chosen fields over the past twelve months’. The panel of judges featured Lord Coe and Marks & Spencer Chief Executive, Sir Stuart Rose.
Norman Foster said: "I'm absolutely delighted to accept this prestigious award. It is wonderful for our team, which is spread around the world, to receive such recognition for our global achievements."
In 2007 Foster + Partners celebrated its fortieth anniversary and greatly extended its international reach. With a staff of 1,250 and a talented team from more than fifty nations, the practice is now working across five continents, with offices in 20 cities worldwide.
During this period, the practice completed several major international projects, including Beijing International Airport Terminal 3, the world’s largest covered structure, the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard for the Smithsonian Institution, as well as Wembley Stadium, closer to home.