Creative And Live

Exhibition, Pompidou Centre, Paris 21 November 2007 to 3 March 2008

The exhibition Richard Rogers + Architectes deals with Richard Rogers and his collaborators. Thirty years after his creation, the Pompidou Centre pays tribute to his creator. The exhibit, which takes place in a single luminous and transparent room, gives really an image of all Richard Rogers’ work.

The entry of the room is dedicated to his initial works and to his work in progress. Then the room is made up of spaces which describes the Richard Rogers’ architectural philosophy whose topics are legible, transparent, lightweight, systems, urban, public and green. Each space is illustrated by one or more creations and its models, plans, drawings and very beautiful photographies. The lighting and play of light give beautiful effects which show the esthetic and innovating aspects of Richard Rogers’ work. In the center of the room you can find a very comfortable place where you can read architecture books and benefit from the restful atmosphere of the exhibition.

Since his first successes, like the creation of the Centre Pompidou, the Brittish Richard Rogers has not stopped innovating and creating. From the 60s-70s he already had a very « environmental » conception of architecture. He realized ecological houses and buildings. The Bordeaux courthouse (third picture) is an example. It is made up of seven audience rooms in the shape of wood cones. These cones are covered with a copper roof which enables the capture of heat which then remains stored. The cones promote a good ventilation thanks to their suction fans. The audience rooms also are opened above to light what produces natural lighting.

The notion of social integration is one of the other most important points of the Richard Rogers’ architectural concept. According to him social problems can find solutions in the construction of « compact cities with multiple centers ». The idea is to mix habitations and place of work, rich and poor, young and old people and cycle tracks and public transports can especially improve the social mix.

Written by Romane