The renowned British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who founded the Grimshaw architectural practice and received international recognition for his important contributions to high-tech architecture, has passed away at the age of 85. 

Throughout his distinguished five-decade career, Grimshaw was renowned for his creative approach to infrastructure and public works projects. He was committed to creating ideas that were both aesthetically beautiful and functional, and his work focused on advanced engineering techniques and structural clarity.

Among his most renowned projects are the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall, which exemplifies his dedication to fusing architecture with environmental sustainability, and the Waterloo International, the original Eurostar terminal in London. 

He also made contributions to the Financial Times Printworks and was instrumental in the design of important transportation hubs across the world.

The Eden Project in Cornwall. Image © Sealand Aerial Photography

"Future generations of architects will continue to be inspired"

The enduring impact of Sir Nicholas Grimshaw's designs and his influence on contemporary architecture will serve as a testament to his legacy. Future generations of architects will continue to be inspired by his innovative vision and commitment to furthering the discipline.

"It is with deep sadness that the partners and practice of Grimshaw acknowledge the death of our founder, Sir Nicholas Grimshaw," stated in the Grimshaw's website. 

Southern Cross Station, Melbourne, Australia. Image courtesy of James Ewing

"Nick was a man of invention and ideas"

Grimshaw described the architect as a man characterized by his inventive spirit and relentless curiosity about the intricacies of creation. The studio added that he is remembered for his strong commitment to the fields of architecture and building. It also added that Nick's pragmatic creativity enabled him to inspire and convince others that bold, ambitious ideas could become a reality.

"Nick was a man of invention and ideas and will be remembered for his endless curiosity about how things are made and his commitment to the craft of architecture and building. With this pragmatic creativity, Nick had an extraordinary ability to convince others that daring ideas were possible," Grimshaw added.

"Nick founded the practice in 1980 with this spirit of making and a commitment to the process of architecture at its heart and kick-started what became a 40-year exploration of sustainability."

Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg. Image © Yuri Molodkovets

"The International Terminal at Waterloo in London, the British Pavilion for the Seville Expo 1992, and the Eden Project in Cornwall were all turning points for the practice as well as the profession of architecture - merging the distinction between architecture and structure with sustainable, climate-responsive design."

"These values remain deep within the Grimshaw practice today, inherent in the projects we deliver - creating beauty through ingenuity," the website added.

British Pavilion Expo 1992, Seville, Spain. Image © Jo Reid & John Peck, Richard Bryant/arcaid.co.uk

"The lack of hierarchy in the studio, shaped by his amiable and open personality, was its true strength"

"From the very first day I arrived at the practice in 1986, I felt the warmth and generosity of Nick’s leadership. The lack of hierarchy in the studio, shaped by his amiable and open personality, was its true strength. It created a collegiate spirit, a place where people genuinely enjoyed working together, supporting one another, and finding the tenacity to deliver some of the most complex buildings," said Andrew Whalley, Chairman, Grimshaw.

"His architecture was never about surface or fashion, but always about structure, craft, and purpose - about creating buildings that endure because they are both useful and uplifting and, in Nick’s words, ‘bring some kind of joy," Whalley added.

International Terminal Waterloo. Image © Jo Reid & John Peck

Nicholas Grimshaw received the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2019, was elected President of the Royal Academy from 2004 to 2011, and was knighted in 2002 for his contributions to architecture.

He founded the Grimshaw Foundation in 2022 as a natural progression of his passion of creation and its innate ability to unlock opportunities. 

Over the last three years, the Foundation has helped more than 500 underrepresented youths cultivate their practical skills, self-assurance, and curiosity as well as their perception of creative vocations as feasible and attainable—a lasting legacy.

The top image in the article: Nicholas Grimshaw. Image is courtesy of Grimshaw.

> via Grimshaw 

high-tech architecture Nicholas Grimshaw obituaries