FOSTER + PARTNERS LIMITED

Their core work

Foster + Partners is one of the world's leading architecture and integrated design firms, headquartered in London, responsible for landmark buildings and urban masterplans across the globe. In EU research, they contribute real-world architectural and engineering expertise to projects exploring advanced manufacturing, digital fabrication, and climate-responsive urban design. Their participation bridges the gap between academic research and practical application in the built environment, testing new materials, construction methods, and climate adaptation strategies at architectural scale.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Foster + Partners' early H2020 involvement (2015–2016) centered on digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing for construction — InnoChain on digital design workflows, LASIMM on large-scale 3D printing of building components. By 2019, their focus shifted decisively toward climate adaptation and urban microclimate design through SOLOCLIM, reflecting the architecture industry's broader pivot toward environmental performance. This evolution moves from "how we build" to "how buildings interact with climate."

Foster + Partners is moving toward climate-responsive architecture and urban microclimate solutions, making them a strong partner for projects addressing urban heat, outdoor comfort, and nature-based building design.

How they like to work

Foster + Partners never coordinates EU projects — they join as a participant or third-party partner, contributing industry expertise to research-led consortia. With 38 unique partners across 12 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia typical of MSCA training networks and RIA projects. Their role is that of a prestigious industry host bringing real-world design challenges and testing grounds to academic research teams.

Despite only 3 projects, Foster + Partners has worked with 38 distinct partners across 12 countries, reflecting the large consortium sizes of their MSCA and RIA projects. Their network spans across Europe with no narrow geographic concentration.

What sets them apart

Foster + Partners is arguably the highest-profile architecture practice participating in H2020 research, bringing unmatched real-world building design and construction experience. For consortium builders, they offer something rare: a globally recognized industry end-user that can validate research outcomes against the demands of major architectural projects. Their involvement signals credibility and practical relevance to any proposal in construction, urban design, or building performance.

Highlights from their portfolio

• LASIMM
  Largest funding (EUR 447,875) — explored industrial-scale additive manufacturing for construction, directly relevant to Foster + Partners' interest in advanced building fabrication.
• SOLOCLIM
  Most recent project marking a strategic pivot toward urban climate adaptation, microclimate design, and nature-based building solutions.
• InnoChain
  MSCA training network where Foster + Partners served as an industry partner hosting early-career researchers in digital design and fabrication.