7 Architects: Bridging Cultures in a Global World

The seven architects included in the 22-minute film:

• Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, who "always has a certain 'feeling for the space,' which ... he also attributes to having background knowledge of the place, which is easier in our modern, global world."
• French architect Jean Nouvel, who "considers architecture to be part of a wider historical and cultural context" and lends the film its most memorable line: "Doing architecture is listening."
• Danish architect Louis Becker, a Principal Partner at Henning Larsen Architects, who "feels that the globalization of architecture enables architects to both influence – and be influenced."
• Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi, "who is inspired by travelling the world and aspires to create projects that 'seem like they belong there, and at the same time look like they came out of nowhere'."
• Norwegian architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, founding partner of Snøhetta, who "feels that there is a great strength in coming from the outside as an architect, as it enables you to 're-search, re-interpret, re-translate'."
• Burkina Faso architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, who believes "architecture is a process made in collaboration with the local people, who should ultimately consider the structure their own."
• English architect Norman Foster, who "feels that it is important to use architecture as a tool to address some of the bigger social issues – such as sanitation, water and power – while still respecting the urban structure."