Sir Michael Hopkins, an esteemed architect who passed away at the age of 88, was a pioneer in his field. He is best known for his iconic buildings such as the Mound stand at Lord’s cricket ground, Glyndebourne opera house, Westminster underground station, and the 2012 Olympic velodrome. These structures not only command respect, but also evoke positive affection. Hopkins was able to infuse modern architecture with a sense of humanity.
In the early days of his career, Hopkins was closely associated with other high-tech architects such as Richard Rogers and Norman Foster. Together with Foster, he designed steel-frame buildings with remarkable precision. One of their finest collaborations was the Willis Faber and Dumas headquarters in Ipswich.
However, as Hopkins’s career progressed, his architectural vision took a different and more original path. He became increasingly interested in the history of building and the role of architecture in the surrounding landscape. This newfound focus on context brought a new level of richness and poetic modernity to his designs, rooted in his understanding of the past.
Despite his international success, Hopkins remained quintessentially British. He had a unique way of connecting with clients, often forging lasting friendships. His easygoing nature allowed him to transcend borders, with notable buildings in the US, Tokyo, India, and Dubai. However, it was his genuine British charm that won him many job opportunities, as showcased in the story of his job interview in Suffolk.
Hopkins’s personal and professional lives were intertwined, with his wife Patricia Wainwright playing a crucial role in his creative endeavors. He had a deep affection for rural landscapes, which became a major influence on his work. Hopkins’s upbringing in Dorset, with its beautiful countryside and medieval abbey, instilled in him a love for the land and the intricate details of structures.
During his time at the Architectural Association in London, Hopkins was exposed to influential figures such as Peter Smithson and Cedric Price. His passion for architectural history was sparked, and he developed a keen interest in Victorian functional traditions and industrial architecture.
In 1976, Hopkins and his wife Patty designed the Hopkins House, a remarkable steel and glass building that quickly gained them recognition. This design set the stage for a series of structurally radical buildings, all showcasing Hopkins’s signature blend of modern concepts and meticulous engineering. Yet, these buildings also possessed an essence of Victorian heritage, drawing inspiration from Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace structures.
In the 1980s, Hopkins’s career took a turn when he designed the Mound stand at Lord’s cricket ground. This project marked a shift in his architectural approach, as he began to embrace the context and atmosphere of his designs. Moving forward, Hopkins developed a deep appreciation for the history of architecture, incorporating natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick.
One notable example of his ability to blend the old with the new was the restoration of a cutlery factory in Derbyshire. Hopkins used the original circular foundation of a gas cylinder, transforming it into a poetic and practical base for the factory.
Hopkins’s success continued to grow throughout the 1990s, as he gained recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Fine Art Commission and the Royal Academy. In 1994, he and Patty were jointly awarded the Riba gold medal for their outstanding skills and contributions to the field.
However, the Hopkins partnership faced challenges with the design of Portcullis House. This complex building, completed in 2000, initially faced resistance due to its intrusive presence near the iconic landmarks of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. However, over time, objections melted away as the building became weathered and embraced by the public.
Hopkins was also known for his public pleasure palaces, such as the Inn on the Park café, the Garden Pavilion at Alnwick, and the refectory building at Norwich Cathedral. These structures embodied the Hopkins family’s belief in the importance of pleasure.
Sir Michael Hopkins leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the world of architecture. His ability to blend modernity with a deep appreciation for history, context, and the natural environment set him apart as an innovative and influential figure in the field.
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