Renzo Piano - La Méthode Piano

The Renzo Piano Workshop – which now boasts over 130 staff and has worked on hundreds of international projects – is the fascinating subject of this exhibit at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine. Curated by Piano himself, this panoramic overview of the architect’s career since 1977 – when he first made his name collaborating with Richard Rogers on the Centre Pompidou – takes in all his boldest and most ambitious works, from the Palais de Justice in Paris to London’s the Shard. Expressly for the exhibit, the Cité’s huge main room has been transformed into an immersive and cleverly lit space that’s a joy to explore. Large rectangular tables present photos, maps, models and objects, while chairs around each display allow visitors to take their time and get involved. Piano is a master in catering to the customer – whether office worker, resident or simple museum-goer – and the canny design of this retrospective is a good case in point.


TRANSLATION: HUW OLIVER