Sobre a Plasticidade na obra de Norman Foster: uma Perspetiva Digital

Abstract

This sentence by Norman Foster describes the dynamic condition of the present very well and prepares us for the future. In fact, the eagerness for the new, for innovation, the search for an increasingly specialized tool are characteristics of today. Norman Foster is an architect who seeks knowledge and adapts his architecture according to the limitations of each space, shaping design to something that brings beauty, sustainability, and balanced geometry, while adopting technologies that are appropriate. It is in this register that the context of plasticity appears, a concept not so frequent in architecture, but which allows an interpretation of the idea of morphology associated with buildings. This dissertation clarifies this concept and also intends to read it in Norman Foster's work. This investigation focuses itself on a reflection on the concept of plasticity and on the contribution of the digital in Norman Foster's architecture, playing a role, decisive or not, in the plasticity of his work. The theme of sustainability is also mentioned, as it has a high importance in the Foster's architecture, with due to the great influence of his mentor Buckminster Fuller. The theme of flight is compelling, as Foster has been fascinated by flying since he was 18 years old, when he decided to join Royal Airforce as a radar technician. For this reason and the relationship that Le Corbusier makes between the "new flying machine" and architecture (Galiano, 2021: 89), took Norman Foster's passion further, building very ambitious airports. Thus, the case studies selected to analyse the term of plasticity are all airports built by Norman Foster, in search and reflection on the method that led to such divergent plasticity of design, but at the same time so similar. Finally, a reflection is made on the contribution of Norman Foster's work to the relevance of the discipline of architecture and the role of the architect in the contemporary world. Some notes about the future of an airport and the future of the profession are also mentioned, as well as the construction of the author's personal and critical awareness of the topics covered.