Renzo Piano: The Art of Making Buildings offers an overview of the architect’s practice through sixteen of his most significant projects, dating from his early career when he was experimenting with innovative structural systems, to the signature buildings of the present day. Highlights include Centre Pompidou, Paris (1971), Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Nouméa (1998), The New York Times Building (2007), The Shard, London (2012), Jérôme Seydoux Pathé Foundation, Paris (2014) and Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2015).
Rarely seen archival material, models, photographs and drawings reveal the process behind the conception and realisation of Piano’s best known buildings.
At the heart of the exhibition, there is a focus on the architect himself through 16 photographs by Gianni Berengo Gardin and a specially commissioned film by Thomas Riedelsheimer highlighting Piano’s personal sensibilities and attitude to architecture. The centrepiece of this space is a sculptural installation designed by RPBW especially for the exhibition, bringing together 100 of Piano’s projects on an imaginary island.
The exhibition provides an exceptional insight into the work, aspirations and achievements of a man who believes passionately in the possibilities of architecture. It demonstrates that far from being a straightforward art-form, architecture is a complex profession that carries social, political and financial responsibilities.