The much-loved Paris landmark was designed in the 1970s by two young unknowns – Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. On the eve of its 40th birthday, they recall the sheer joy and bravado – and the struggle – of creating it
By daring to cross the disciplines of architecture and engineering, Maria Smith, Steve Webb and Andy Yates can approach their projects in a fresh way
• Click here to see the Observer’s rising stars of 2017 in full
The celebrated architect talks about his latest work – a new home for the Design Museum – and his dedication to clutter-free living
As the Architecture Foundation publishes the latest edition of New Architects, our critic explores how young designers are making their own rules to get ahead
From dumb towers to cool interventions, 2015 saw the gap widen between the big and brainless and the small and thoughtful
Ahead of a major urban design conference, the architect says we must plan for a more sustainable lifestyle – and discusses his disappointment at the likely rejection of his Thames Hub airport