Future Systems facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Future Systems |
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Exterior detail of the Selfridges Building, Birmingham
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| Practice information | |
| Key architects | Jan Kaplický David Nixon Amanda Levete |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Location | London, England, UK |
| Significant works and honors | |
| Buildings | Lord's Media Centre; Selfridges; Bull Ring; Malator; Ferrari Museum, Modena |
| Projects | National Library, Prague |
| Design | Green Bird, London |
| Awards | Stirling Prize (1999) |
Future Systems was a cool architectural and design company based in London, England. It was led by two main architects, Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete. They started the company in 1979.
Jan Kaplický and David Nixon founded Future Systems. They had worked with famous architects like Norman Foster and Richard Rogers. Future Systems was known for its unique style. Their buildings often looked like they came from nature or were very futuristic. Some people called their style "blobitecture" because of its smooth, blob-like shapes.
Contents
Designing Unique Buildings
Future Systems loved to use new ideas for building. They often took methods from other areas, like how airplanes or cars are made. For example, they used curved, strong outer shells, similar to those found in aircraft and boat building.
Famous Projects and Awards
In the 1990s, Future Systems started working on real projects. One of their most famous buildings is the "spacecraft-like" Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. It was finished in 1999. This building was so special that Jan Kaplický won the Stirling Prize for it.
Another well-known project is the Selfridges department store in Birmingham. Completed in 2003, it's a great example of their "blobitecture" style. It looks very modern and curvy, almost like a giant silver slug!
After winning the Stirling Prize, Future Systems got even bigger jobs. These included designing the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy (finished in 2009). They also worked on plans for a new Czech National Library, though this building was never built.
The Company Splits Up
In 2008, Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete decided to split the company. Kaplický took the Future Systems name and some staff to the Czech Republic. Levete started her own new company. She took on projects like a new headquarters for News Corporation in London and a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Company Timeline
- 1979: Jan Kaplický and David Nixon start Future Systems.
- 1989: Amanda Levete joins the company and becomes a partner.
- 1994: They complete the Hauer-King house in Islington, which was very popular.
- 1999: They win the prestigious Stirling Prize for the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground.
- 2003: The unique Selfridges building in Birmingham is finished.
- 2007: They win the job to design the Czech National Library.
- 2008: The company splits into two separate practices.
- 2008: They submit a design for a new London Routemaster bus.
- 2008: The Czech National Library project is cancelled.
- 2009: Jan Kaplický sadly passes away on January 14, 2009. The remaining Future Systems staff leave a month later.
Gallery
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The Media Centre, Lord's Cricket Ground, London. It looks like a spaceship!
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The Selfridges Building in the Bull Ring, Birmingham. Notice its unique, curvy shape.
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The Selfridges Building from a distance, showing how it stands out.
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Inside the Selfridges Building, showing its modern design.
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A front view of the Selfridges Building.
See also
In Spanish: Future Systems para niños
