Insightful educator, urban designer and architect, and associate member of Archigram, who inspired generations of architects
Professor Colin Fournier, who has died aged 79, was an associate member of Archigram, an architect, urban designer and prolific writer whose innovative ideas inspired generations of students. His vision and boundless creativity, coupled with a magnetic personality, has left an indelible mark on the architectural and academic worlds and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Fournier displayed an early passion for the built environment. After completing his studies at the Architectural Association in London, he further developed his expertise in urban design in California as planning director at Ralph M Parsons Company, leading major projects including the new town of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. Throughout his life he was driven by a desire to improve the relationship between human life and the cities we inhabit.
Fournier continued to practise even as his commitment to teaching grew over the course of his career. With former Archigram colleague Peter Cook he designed the Kunsthaus Graz gallery (2003) – the ‘friendly alien’ – for which he received Austria’s Goldener Ehrenzeichen medal. ‘The Kunsthaus is biomorphic’, he said. ‘It is not clear what animal it is. It is not really a museum; it is an impatient building demanding for things to happen’. He partnered with Bernard Tschumi on the planning and urban design of the Parc de la Villette in Paris (1987), and designed the acclaimed Open Cinema in Guimarães, Portugal.
‘Colin combined a brilliant intellect, a poetic mind and superb diplomatic skills,’ remembers Tschumi. ‘He used all three with consummate ability on everything he did, including being invaluable to the project for the Parc de la Villette. Besides being a remarkable urban designer, Colin was one of the most dedicated educators I’ve ever met, challenging several generations of students to discover unexpected horizons in architectural thought and practice.’
In 1998 he joined the Bartlett School of Architecture, where he taught for 17 years, initiating the Urban Design MArch programme and developing into it a course of international repute. With his vast knowledge, infectious enthusiasm and insightful critiques, he pushed students to think beyond conventional boundaries and develop their own individual approaches. The response Fournier sought was never solely cerebral; he placed equal emphasis on the poetic and emotional content of their work.
From 2013 Fournier was a visiting professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he also acted as chief curator of the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, and president of the jury for the M+ Museum competition. Latterly he taught at Confluence Institute in Paris, having returned to live in the city of his childhood.
Known for his charm and approachable demeanor, Fournier built deep connections with his students, many of whom went on to become leaders in their fields. His mentorship was a treasured gift, inspiring creativity and cultivating intellectual curiosity.
Colleagues recall a man who could effortlessly move between topics with deep insight and a lightness that made even the most complex ideas accessible. His distinctive sense of humour and unique perspective on life drew people in, making him a beloved figure in both academic circles and social gatherings. To his friends, he was a trusted confidant, a captivating storyteller, and a person whose company was always enriching.
Fournier also found immense joy in life outside work. He loved travel and art, and never stopped learning. Whether walking the streets of a bustling city or exploring a serene landscape, he was always observing, analysing, and drawing inspiration from the world around.
In remembering Colin Fournier, we celebrate not only his remarkable contributions to architecture and urban design but also the life of a truly exceptional human being – a thinker, a teacher, and a friend who made the world more beautiful with both his ideas and presence. He is survived by his wife, Dominique Piwnica, and his son from his first marriage,Neil.
Graciela Moreno is an architect and masterplanner