Peter Rice

Like his great predecessors, whether Brunel or Brunelleschi, Peter Rice is able to step outside the confines of his professional training, transferring technical problems into practical solutions. His design combines order with delight, science with art. - Richard Rogers Known for his work on major projects such as the Centre Pompidou, Sydney Opera House and Lloyd's Building, Peter Rice received international acclaim as one of the great engineers of the 20th century. His collaborations with some of the leading architects of our time, including Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Frei Otto, I. M. Pei, Norman Foster and Bernard Tschumi, have created memorable landmark structures which are justifiably famous for their style and innovation. Rice believed that the role of engineering was to enable the most exciting pieces of architecture to be realised. His collaborators came to learn that if anyone could make their ideas work it would be Peter Rice. His adoption of a fresh approach for each project was calculated to produce the best possible building and was combined with a respect for the role of the architect. Over time, this method resulted in an inspirational body of innovative work.
This overview of Rice's work begins with a look at key ideas, themes and influences, and moves on to consider specific projects and project types. Peter Rice believed it was crucial to change the common perception of the engineer's role in the design process. This book considers the work in which an extraordinary man did just that.