Richard Rogers, Architect, 1933 -2021

Future Cities Forum was very sad to learn of the death of architect Richard Rogers, founding partner of Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners last month. The forum has received many contributions to our events by partners and directors and values the work of the practice led by Richard Rogers' guiding vision.

The partners and staff at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) have been paying tribute to Richard who they say will be remembered as a colleague and friend, who was gregarious, always completely free of status, always inclusive, always exploring and looking ahead:

'A man of immense drive and charisma, he was equally a man of civility and integrity, dedicated to the art and science of architecture, of urbanism, the life of the city, of political commitment and positive social change. His love of people, of discussion, the sharing of views, of exploring new paths and of co-operative and creative working, was reflected in the practice he founded, and which continues to espouse and develop those ideals today.'

Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner at RSHP, and who has contributed to Future Cities Forum, commented:

'Through Richard, as a young graduate, I learnt that architecture was about much more than the design of buildings, its social and political impacts were equally important. He gave me the opportunity when I was young to explore and originate unencumbered in the highly creative environment that he presided over. I am indebted to him for the trust he placed in me.

'Over the subsequent 30+ years we achieve more than I ever imagined possible, practicing together learning from each other, always looking to the future, always looking to make things better. His absence is very close, but his presence remains with me.

'I will never forget his wry smile, his infectious laugh, his paternal nature, and his sharp intellect. He was not an architypical architect, but he was a unique and wonderful human being.'

Richard Rogers was born in Florence, Italy, educated at Yale School of Architecture in 1961 - 62, and was famous for his designs for the Centre Georges Pompidou (with Renzo Piano), Lloyd's of London, Millennium Dome, European Court of Human Rights, Madrid-Barajas Airport's Terminal 4, London Heathrow's Terminal 5 and Senedd, Cardiff.

Below - Millennium Dome, Greenwich, London (courtesy RSHP and also portrait photo of Lord Rogers - above)