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Featuring more sweeping panoramic shots than we could wave a gherkin at, How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr Foster?  — a new documentary outlining the life and work of British starchitect, Norman Foster – saw its first London outing at an intimate screening last night.

Produced by British consultancy Art Commissioners in association with Spanish outfit Aiete Ariane Films, How much Does Your Building Weigh pays testament to Foster’s origins, influences and of course, his iconic designs. One of the film’s two directors, Norberto López Amado told us, “We looked for different emotions from each building: from flying to finding spirituality, or risk. I dealt with buildings as if they were characters, with their own conflicts and virtues.”

Known for such emblematic structures as London’s St Mary’s Axe, the Hearst building in New York and the world’s tallest bridge in Millau France – which really is remarkable – Foster started life, to quote the film, “on the wrong side of the tracks” in deepest darkest Manchester.

Tracking his route from bright-eyed student to international creative force, How much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr Foster? will win over even those with the most unyielding of architectural tastes (Prince Charles, take note).

Launched back in February at the Berlinale Special, the film is currently doing the festival rounds, with a view for general release at the end of this year.