Renzo Piano Building Workshop

The second volume of a set of three which studies the work of architect Renzo Piano. This book looks at Piano's working method, followed by a presentation of some of his most significant buildings and projects from 1987 to 1993.

The most up-to-date complete illustrated account of the work of one of the world’s most influential architects, in his own words Renzo Piano has created some of the most emblematic buildings of our age, including the New York Times Building in New York City, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Shard in London, and the Parco della Musica in Rome. Here, Renzo Piano himself—whose many international awards include the prestigious Pritzker Prize—presents in his own words the works on which he has built his reputation over a span of fifty years. Over one hundred works are featured, accompanied by over one thousand images of Piano’s work around the world including new photographs, drawings, and sketches, both intimate and authoritative, all with commentaries by the architect that combine personal anecdote and technical description with original insights. No other architecture book will appeal to such a broad range of professionals and general readers alike. This is an unmatched introduction to the work of one of the world’s most influential and inspiring architects.

Renzo Piano is one of the world’s greatest living architects and creator of a host of iconic modern buildings, including the Pompidou in Paris, the Menil Collection in Texas, Kansai Airport in Japan, the Shard in London and the new Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Written and created in collaboration with the Piano Foundation in Genoa, this richly illustrated volume covers the early work as well as the most recent designs, making a complete survey of his career to date. Starting with his beginnings with the Pompidou Centre in the 1970s (in collaboration with Richard Rogers) the story continues up to construction of one of his latest works, a spectacular new bridge in Genoa in 2020. The book explores all of the studio’s main projects: the public spaces and museums, airports, theatres, and libraries. As well as giving unique insights into the creative process of Piano himself, the book includes numerous unpublished designs and photographs. In the process the book reveals Piano’s unique way of handling light and space, as well as his particular attention to the social implications of the profession of architect and the relationship of buildings to their urban environment and landscape.

Renzo Piano is one of the world’s greatest living architects and creator of a host of iconic modern buildings, including the Pompidou in Paris, the Menil Collection in Texas, Kansai Airport in Japan, the Shard in London and the new Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Written and created in collaboration with the Piano Foundation in Genoa, this richly illustrated volume covers the early work as well as the most recent designs, making a complete survey of his career to date. Starting with his beginnings with the Pompidou Centre in the 1970s (in collaboration with Richard Rogers) the story continues up to construction of one of his latest works, a spectacular new bridge in Genoa in 2020. The book explores all of the studio’s main projects: the public spaces and museums, airports, theatres, and libraries. As well as giving unique insights into the creative process of Piano himself, the book includes numerous unpublished designs and photographs. In the process the book reveals Piano’s unique way of handling light and space, as well as his particular attention to the social implications of the profession of architect and the relationship of buildings to their urban environment and landscape.

The Pritzker laureate Renzo Piano is recognized worldwide as one of the most renowned architects of our time. Central elements of his aesthetics include the playful use of natural light, the transparency of his buildings and their fine detailing. This publication documents nine museum buildings by Renzo Piano Building Workshop.