by ArchitectureWeek

Renzo Piano first captured the attention of the architecture world as co-designer of the Centre Pompidou in Paris with Richard Rogers, an epochal building that dramatically established the still-reigning high-tech modern style of architecture.

Piano's subsequent projects, including several gorgeous museums and other beautiful buildings around the world, have steadily reinforced his reputation as a profound designer, sensitive practitioner, and master craftsman of building.

His body of significant great works places him solidly among the handful of true form-givers of his generation. So the AIA gives a most appropriate honor with its recent announcement that the American Institute of Architects 2008 Gold Medal is going to the renowned Italian architect.

In their nomination of Piano, Thomas Howarth, FAIA, and Kira Gould, AIA, described his work as "sculptural, beautiful, technically accomplished, sustainable... He integrates the diverse disciplines that combine in contemporary building into cohesive, humane environments."

"His work is executed with integrity and an abiding awareness that architecture is the beautiful intervention that seams nature with technology."   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Italian architect Renzo Piano. Photo: © Renzo Piano Building Workshop SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Centre Pompidou(1977) was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. Piano later designed a renovation, completed in 2000. Photo: Katsuhisa Kida   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.