Norman Foster: A Lifetime of Design
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Medal went to Norman Foster, one of the most influential architects of the modern era. His career spans over half a century, marked by buildings that have become cultural landmarks: the Reichstag in Berlin, 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) in London, Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, and the Millennium Bridge.
What makes Foster’s work extraordinary is not only the scale of his projects but their consistent commitment to sustainability, technology, and human experience. His philosophy has shaped cities, infrastructure, and the way we think about architecture’s role in society. The award recognises a lifetime dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design while responding to global challenges.
Most recently, Foster has been commissioned to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’s Park, London. His plans include a glass-balustraded “Unity Bridge” inspired by the Queen’s wedding tiara, two new commemorative gardens, and civic spaces featuring statues of both the late Queen and Prince Philip. The design emphasises reflection, accessibility, and biodiversity, aiming to create a space that unites history and modernity.
Michael Anastassiades
The London Design Medal was awarded to Michael Anastassiades, whose lighting designs transform spaces with a rare balance of precision and poetry. His work bridges the industrial and the delicate, often turning simple forms into sculptural presences. Anastassiades has redefined how lighting can be both functional and atmospheric, reminding us that design at its best elevates the everyday.
Sinéad Burke
The Emerging Talent Medal recognised Sinéad Burke, educator, advocate, and founder of Tilting the Lens. Her work challenges the design world to become truly inclusive, not as an afterthought but as a principle. By reframing conversations about accessibility, representation, and participation, Burke demonstrates that design is not just about objects or spaces, but about people. Her recognition is a powerful statement about the future of design as a more equitable and human-centred practice.
Rio Kobayashi
The Breakthrough Medal went to Rio Kobayashi, whose furniture and objects draw from Japanese heritage and European craftsmanship, fusing them with playfulness and wit. His pieces are functional yet whimsical, serious yet light-hearted. Kobayashi’s work reflects the hybrid, global character of design today, and his award acknowledges the importance of experimentation and cultural dialogue in shaping new aesthetics.
