▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Seoul Museum of Art

Norman Foster, the Pritzker Prize-winning English architect renowned for iconic modern landmarks such as the HSBC Building in Hong Kong, is currently showcasing his largest exhibition in Asia in Seoul. The exhibition, titled “Future Positive: Norman Foster, Foster + Partners,” emphasizes his team's commitment to sustainability, a cornerstone of their design philosophy.

According to Foster + Partners, the exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art, which opened on April 25, features 50 projects from around the globe. It includes models, drawings, archives, and films showcasing their innovative approaches to architecture.

"I am truly excited about the opportunity to hold a major exhibition for the first time in Korea. My first visit to Seoul nearly 30 years ago left a lasting impression. Last year, during our latest visit, we were deeply impressed by the city and its cultural vitality. We are honored to present our work at SeMA," Foster remarked in press materials released by the museum. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Seoul Museum of Art

Among the highlights is a model of “The Masdar Institute” in Abu Dhabi's Masdar City, designed as a net-zero energy building powered entirely by renewable solar energy. This project is part of Masdar City's master plan to create an educational hub within a sustainable urban environment.

"We experimented with zero waste and carbon initiatives, incorporating vernacular ideas such as narrow streets, low buildings, and deep-set windows," said Katy Harris, head of communications at Foster + Partners, during an April 24 press tour.

The exhibition is organized around five themes that have guided Foster and his studio's work: “Introduction to Sustainability,” “Culture + Retrofit,” “Wellbeing + Technology,” “Public + Placemaking,” and “Future.” 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Seoul Museum of ArtThe final section of the exhibition, “Future,” introduces projects like “The Lunar Habitation Project” and “The Mars Habitat Project,” collaborations with the European Space Agency and NASA aimed at imagining life on other planets.

In Korea, Foster + Partners have completed projects such as the Hankook Technoplex in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, the Hankook Technodome in Daejeon, and Apple Myeongdong in Seoul.

Born in 1935 in Manchester, England, Foster studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Manchester before earning his master’s degree from the Yale School of Architecture. Foster + Partners, founded by the architect in 1967, has executed over 500 projects worldwide.

Co-curated by the Seoul Museum of Art and Foster + Partners, the exhibition runs through July 21. The Seosomun Main Branch of the museum is closed on Mondays.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com