Norman Foster – A Tribute to Steve Jobs
On October 5th 2011, Steve Jobs, the founder and iconic CEO of Apple passed away after a 7 year battle with cancer. Jobs left behind a legacy that has impacted upon the technological lives of many people, he became an icon many have called a modern day Henry Ford or Thomas Edison,2 other great American inventors. A creative leader without parallel as well as an inspirational leader, the world owes him a great deal.
Another modern design icon, Norman Foster led the condolences from the world of architecture. The two designers collaborated on the proposed design for the new Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.
A Tribute to Steve Jobs
With my colleagues I would like to pay tribute to Steve Jobs. Like so many millions our lives have been profoundly and positively influenced by the innovations pioneered by Steve and Apple, names which are inseparable.
We were greatly privileged to know Steve as a person, as a friend and in every way so much more than a client. Steve was an inspiration and a role model. He encouraged us to develop new ways of looking at design to reflect his unique ability to weave backwards and forwards between grand strategy and the minutiae of the tiniest of internal fittings. For him no detail was small in its significance and he would be simultaneously questioning the headlines of our project together whilst he delved into its fine print.
He was the ultimate perfectionist and demanded of himself as he demanded of others. We are better as individuals and certainly wiser as architects through the experience of the last two years and more of working for him. His participation was so intense and creative that our memory will be that of working with one of the truly great designers and mentors.
The world lost a great man this year, an iconic designer, creative leader and exceptional human being. A truly sad day.
