These initiatives follow from the ‘Future is Now’ forum which was held in Madrid’s Royal Theatre on 1 June 2017 to a capacity audience of 2,000. It was initiated by the Mayor of Madrid and Lord Foster, bringing together leading figures in the fields of science, design, architecture, politics, art, economics and history. The forum was followed worldwide by some 75,000 online viewers.

The Norman Foster Inaugural Atelier, Madrid, November 2017, supported by the Rolex Institute

This will be the first in an annual programme of week-long events hosted by the Foundation in its Madrid headquarters. Grants will be awarded to ten students from around the world for a series of talks, think tanks and workshops led by key individuals, including Norman Foster, on issues such as the city, infrastructure, mobility and technology. Each student will submit a proposal related to the topic for the Atelier.

Norman Foster—Common Futures exhibition, Espacio Fundación Telefónica, Madrid, October 2017

The venue is a handsome period space off the Gran Via in central Madrid. The exhibition concept created by Prof Dr Luis Fernández-Galiano comprises twelve sections which range across issues such as culture, work, wellness and sustainability. For the first time this exhibition will couple early projects with current works to show a consistency of design approach over more than five decades. The exhibition will continue until February 2018.

Norman Foster Foundation Scholarship at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College, London

The Norman Foster Foundation will work with the school to select recipients for the scholarship and the first award will be announced shortly. The Norman Foster Foundation will be funding the full academic fees for three students to ensure that the most promising candidates in Europe, regardless of means, have the opportunity to undertake the Bartlett School’s BSc Architecture course.