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Norman Foster

Founder and Executive Chairman (Senior Executive Partner), Foster + Partners

Search every verified Norman Foster interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In July 2026, Norman Foster returned to Hong Kong to mark the 40th anniversary of the HSBC Main Building, which he designed. In an interview with HSBC, he reflected on the project’s ambition to create “the best bank building in the world,” describing its design innovations such as open loft spaces, a central banking hall, and pedestrian flow beneath the structure. He noted that the building’s enduring presence on the skyline and its integration of shading and seawater cooling were influenced by traditional pre-air-conditioning architecture. Foster also acknowledged that technology has advanced since the building’s completion, but stated that the project’s “big picture” has endured and remains a “beacon for the future.” During a keynote dialogue with curator Marisa Yiu on July 10, 2026, Foster discussed the building’s history, including his early competition report and a feng shui expert’s sketch that influenced the escalator design. He also spoke about his personal routine of jogging along Bowen Road as a form of therapy during the project. Foster additionally highlighted his foundation’s work on sustainable cities, noting that its master’s course prepares future civic leaders and has produced graduates who have become mayors and led conservation initiatives, including one in Chile.

Recent appearances

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Notable quotes

“And it's a reminder that cities are the key to climate change. They can move faster than governments. They can act. They have impact.”

“Just over 54,000 kilometers of high-speed train. 220 miles an hour, 350 kilometers an hour connecting by this 97% of Chinese cities. On a peak day, 13 million travelers. Achieved in 16 years. And in the UK, they gave up on the London to Manchester. It goes as far as Birmingham. Short-termism. They have a department for leveling up. The ultimate leveling up is connectivity. They just didn't get it. And that 54,000 km ”

“It all comes down in the end to attitude of mind and leadership and knowledge. So if you have somebody who's running the health service and they're denying the power of vaccines, then it's time to get a bit worried. And if you know that the compact city is healthier mentally and physically, if you know that the compact city is half the carbon footprint of the carborn sprawling city, if you know that you want to save ”

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