“A unique and wonderful human being” – tributes to Richard Rogers

In the days since the death of British-Italian architect Richard Rogers on 18 December there has been an outpouring of tributes to his pioneering architecture, as well as his approach to life.

Norman Foster was among the first to pay tribute to Rogers, who he described as his “oldest and closest friend”.

He reflected on their 60 years of friendship: “Richard was gregarious, outgoing, generous and possessed an infectious zest for life. His buildings are a social mirror of that personality – open, welcoming and, like his wardrobe, elegantly colourful,” wrote Foster in a statement on the passing of his friend. “Richard Rogers was a great pioneering architect of the modern age, socially committed and an influential protagonist for the best of city life — such a legacy. I will miss you dearly.”