Sir Nicholas Grimshaw- Hi Tech Urban Architecture

Sir Nicholas Grimshaw is a distinguished British Architect and Urban Designer. Born in Hove, in 1939 he soon found an interest in Meccano toys, perhaps spurred on by his father who was an engineer. Not surprising then, is his admiration for the work of Joseph Paxton, architect of the metal and glass masterpiece of Crystal Palace of 1851. He also has a reverence for the work of IK Brunel, the UK engineering genius.


Studying at the prestigious Architects Association in London, after graduation he partnered up with Terry Farrell. After his work with Terry Farrel ended he set up Nicholas Grimshaw & partners in 1980. His work is of the High Tech variety with an emphasis on materiality in architectural detail. His practice has grown and now includes large developments as well as urban masterplans. His famous works include his futuristic Sainsbury's superstore (1988), the national space science centre (2001) and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne (2006, to name but a few.

Sainsbury's high tech superstore, Camden, London

One such Masterplan is the Tirana Masterplan in Albania. The 15 square kilometer plan emphasises the importance of urban green space as being outdoor rooms that hang on a central spine of green space in the form of a linear park. Though not unique, the work shows a good understanding of how internal and external spaces can interact sensitively and practically over a large area while keeping a human scale to the urban design.

Tirana Linear Park Masterplan, Albania-Designed 2015

Ref-https://www.architecture.com/Explore/Architects/NicholasGrimshaw.aspx