The latest of these projects is the master plan for a 380-acre district in Constanța, Romania, being developed by the Romanian real estate developer Iulius.
The company’s involvement in a diverse range of projects—from skyscrapers and airports to urban planning and energy-efficient buildings—confirms its strategy to maintain a leadership position in architecture and urban development. However, its active presence often comes with controversy.
Outside of Europe, Foster + Partners has taken on some of the world’s most ambitious yet controversial construction projects. Its presence in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates has sparked reactions, as many of these projects are linked to issues related to human rights, labor conditions, and environmental sustainability.
Among the most notable examples are the King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia and the company’s involvement in the "The Line" project, an ambitious and controversial mega-project aiming to create a 170-kilometer car-free city in one of the driest regions of the world.
Alongside its large-scale international projects, Foster + Partners also seeks to leave its mark on iconic cultural projects in its home country, the United Kingdom. The firm is listed among the top five candidates for the design of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial, one of London’s most anticipated architectural projects in the coming years.
What the master plan for the Constanța district includes
The master plan incorporates a balanced combination of green spaces, transportation infrastructure, and multifunctional urban sectors, with educational buildings, retail shops, entertainment, sports and leisure facilities, parks, and botanical gardens, creating a pedestrian-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and economically dynamic hub.
The project comes at a time when many European cities are seeking ways to redefine their identity through strategic investments in large-scale redevelopment initiatives.
Foster + Partners' vision for Constanța is based on a holistic approach that integrates principles of sustainability, high aesthetics, and functionality. The office’s proposals include new urban networks, improved transportation infrastructure, and the development of spaces that will enhance the city's cultural and economic life.
This is not the first time that Foster + Partners has undertaken an urban redevelopment project on an international scale. From iconic structures in London and New York to cutting-edge developments in Asia and the Middle East, Norman Foster's office has established itself as one of the key players in the global real estate market.
