Richard Rogers book teaches kids "the role of buildings in their lives"

Richard Rogers Talking Buildings book by Ab Rogers

Designer Ab Rogers has created a colourful fold-out architecture book for children that showcases the work and ethos of his late father, the British architect Richard Rogers.

Created with publisher Owl & Dog Playbooks, the book Richard Rogers Talking Buildings introduces young readers to the influential architect through 10 of his key projects.

While it is primarily intended for children, Ab Rogers believes adults can also enjoy reading it, whether they are architects or not.

"I believe the book can be enjoyed by all, both those who know architecture well and those who don't," Ab Rogers told Dezeen.

"Helping the younger generation become better design educated will create more informed clients and generate even better architecture, and I hope kids will be inspired by the ideas behind the buildings and captivated by the sense of joy and discovery, the colour, playfulness and surprise in his work," he continued.

"If nothing else, they will learn the words transparency and cantilever!"

The 10 projects featured in Richard Rogers Talking Buildings include Terminal 4 at Barajas Airport, the low-cost housing concept Tree House and The Richard Rogers Drawing Gallery, which were designed by the architect with his studio Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

It also includes Lloyd's of London, the Bordeaux Law Courts, the Millennium Dome and the Industrialised Housing concept, created by the studio when it was known as Richard Rogers Partnership.

The final three works in the book are the iconic Centre Pompidou, which he created with architect Renzo Piano, alongside the Rogers House and the conceptual Zip-Up House, which he developed with his then-wife, designer Su Rogers.

According to Ab Rogers, these 10 projects were chosen as they tell "a clear story".

"We were looking for buildings with a clear story, buildings that had connections to each other, whether visual or ideological," he explained.

"We wanted to chart the development in his work and these 10 buildings were the ones that related most closely in the escalating manifesto of his career, forming a complete circle," added the designer.

"It was also important that we highlight the projects that generated the momentum of change he created through his architecture and his cities."

As the book unfolds, each project is depicted in a colourful illustration with accompanying text written in the first person, lending the projects an endearing, human character.

The text begins with engaging questions and goes on to tell facts about the designs in a fun and accessible way.

For Lloyd's of London, the entry starts by asking, "When is a building like a lobster?", to which the answer is "When its skeleton is on the outside!"

"Richard's ideas are complex and sophisticated yet highly legible," said Ab Rogers. "He always wanted buildings to be readable, so this process was the next step in breaking down and explaining the ideas and ambitions behind the buildings."

Ab Rogers said the book recognises the importance of the built environment in the lives of children, and that it is hoped to encourage young people to engage with architecture.

"The built environment shouldn't be taken for granted, regardless of age. It is very much part of young children's lives, the landscape of many of their formative experiences," he explained.

"These places colour their early memories, and I believe it's valuable for them to consider the role of buildings in their lives, how they perform, but also the ideas that created them, the role of play in their design and the joy of their ability to grow and change with the people that use them," added Ab Rogers.

"I think it is important to feed children the ingredients of possibility, to inspire them. They commonly aspire to be doctors or astronauts; why not architects as well?"

The book is the latest project by Ab Rogers to honour his late father, following his curation of the exhibitions Richard Rogers: 10 projects, held at Chateau la Coste in 2023, and Richard Rogers Talking Buildings, which took place earlier this year at the Soane Museum.

"Since Dad died in 2021, I wanted to find a way to continue talking to him, even though he was no longer around," said Ab Rogers. "It felt natural to take it a stage further, to make a book that can talk to everyone, adults and kids."