Creative Times

Lord Foster Honorary Patron of CUBE

Published 05.06.08

Lord Foster, the world-famous architect who designed such iconic buildings as London’s ‘Gherkin’ and Wembley Stadium, is to be the new patron of Salford University’s partner - the CUBE gallery.

Lord Foster said: ‘I am delighted to support Manchester’s CUBE Gallery. It is a much valued resource for an ever growing audience interested in our built environment. It is with great pleasure that I “return” to the city in which I grew up, to be a patron.’

His role will see him promoting the Manchester gallery, which receives funding from the University’s School of the Built Environment, and, when available attending events and exhibitions.

Norman Foster was born in Greater Manchester in 1935. After graduating from Manchester University School of Architecture and City Planning in 1961 he won a Henry Fellowship to Yale University, where he gained a Master’s Degree in Architecture.

He is the founder and chairman of Foster + Partners and architect of projects as diverse as the Reichstag, Berlin’s new Parliament, Chek Lap Kok International Airport in Hong Kong and the Great Court at the British Museum in London. Recent work includes the Hearst Tower New York, Millau Viaduct in France and Beijing Airport.

Jack Hale, Head of Development at CUBE said: “We are extremely honoured that one of Britain’s greatest architects is willing to support our activities. Lord Foster is a great inspiration to many involved in the built environment, and in particular, we hope to inspire a new generation in the North West to follow in his footsteps.”

CUBE (Centre for the Urban Built Environment) is based in the heart of Manchester and is dedicated to communicating the ideas and issues that lie behind the buildings and spaces that make up our built environment. The Gallery promotes education programmes at all levels and showcases developments in architecture and design in a Centre housing three galleries, a seminar room and a Royal Institute of British Architects bookshop.