Richard Rogers: Architecture as a Political Act for a Just Society

In an interview with Artribune, architect Richard Rogers discusses his autobiography 'Un posto per tutti. Vita, architettura e società giusta' (Johan & Levi, 2018), urban planning, and the social role of architecture. Rogers, born in Florence in 1933, criticizes the lack of public space along Florence's Arno river, contrasting it with Paris. He advocates for compact cities, public transport, and environmental responsibility, citing climate change as the most urgent issue. He recalls designing the Centre Pompidou with Renzo Piano and Peter Rice as 'a place for all people'. Rogers condemns the Grenfell Tower fire as a tragedy of poor construction affecting the poor. He notes that 40% of the world's population lacks adequate housing and calls for affordable, sustainable homes. He discusses his firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners' project in Bogotá with El Equipo Mazzanti, two mixed-use towers. Rogers praises Frida Escobedo's 2018 Serpentine Pavilion. He expresses opposition to Brexit and predicts a shift in global economic power towards China, Persia, and India. He serves on the Pritzker Prize jury and observes emerging architectural talent in Vietnam and Japan.