21st October 2024
Bruno Moser heads up the practice’s Urban Design Group, which focuses on all aspects of urban design and planning. The group works together to create thriving and resilient environments, from neighbourhood regeneration schemes to city-wide masterplans.
Bruno tells us about a project he admires, his favourite city to visit, and how the past can be a great source of inspiration.
Earliest memory at Foster + Partners
I first moved to London – back in 2002 – and ended up living in Hoxton the following year. I remember admiring the Gherkin from the other end of Hoxton Street. Of course, I could never have predicted that I’d be working at Foster + Partners a few years later!
I interviewed with Spencer [de Grey] and was hired as the practice’s first urban designer in 2007. Seventeen years on, our Urban Design Group is now seventy people strong. It includes specialists from a range of backgrounds – including real estate, sociology, mobility, and landscape architecture.
A standout project
A project that I really admire – but unfortunately didn’t work on – is Trafalgar Square. The practice’s interventions have transformed the way the city works, improved the quality of life for so many people, and created a much more dignified setting for the National Gallery.
Most importantly, it feels like it has always been this way, which is a fundamental quality of good urban design.
A mentor
Spencer has been a fantastic mentor – supporting the growth and diversification of the Urban Design Group from day one. He shares my belief that cities are incredibly complex and need to be looked at from many different points of view.
A source of inspiration
Any book by Edward Tufte, an inspiration on information design and data visualisation; and a reminder about the importance of simplicity and clarity in communication.
One piece of advice you would give to your younger self
Be yourself, worry less.
A favourite city to visit
For me, it’s Berlin.
It is a city of great contrast, which always fascinates me. It really has everything – culture, leisure, entertainment, great open spaces, and parks in the city centre.
Where do you call home?
I’ve now spent the same amount of time in Lucerne, Switzerland, and London – and feel equally connected to both places.
I love going back to visit the mountains – where I grew up – but also enjoy everything that London has to offer in terms of its amazing culture and opportunities.
A hidden gem in your neighbourhood
Pophams, my favourite breakfast spot in North London.
It’s where you’ll find me on a Sunday morning.
A city we should learn from
I think we can learn a lot from cities of the past.
Over the last one-hundred years, technology has dramatically altered the way we live and shaped the built environment. While modern amenities provide comfort – they also have an impact – and not always for the better. Looking back is a great source of inspiration for me.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m definitely more of a morning person.
I enjoy the quietness of the city at that time – and watching everything come to life.
One thing you can’t live without
Music – a source of joy.
Where will you be this weekend?
Watching Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’ at the National Theatre.
London has an amazing cultural scene – it’s a privilege to take part in it.
