A pioneer of architecture in the 20th century, Renzo Piano is a name known by fans of the field around the world. Since winning the opportunity to create his first large-scale project in 1971, The Pompidou museum in Paris, Renzo Piano’s Building Workshop has delivered numerous groundbreaking projects, which carry in their heart Piano’s love for the interplay between tradition and innovation.

Piano’s first solo London exhibition in 30 years is curated in collaboration with the architect himself, focusing on 16 key buildings and exploring the design process of Renzo Piano’s Building Workshop. Including models, photography and a film by Thomas Riedelsheimer, the exhibition is a never-before-seen insight into the mind of an inventive and forward-thinking master of the field.

From the Whitney Museum of American Art and the New York Times Building in the Big Apple through the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea to the News Building and The Shard in London, Piano is known for his unconventional, forward-thinking creativity. Running from mid-September until late January 2019, the exhibition will not only provide the chance to see Piano’s works as they were created, but a lucky few will be able to see Renzo Piano in conversation on 15 October, where he will reflect on his craft and the projects he’s made such an impact on over the last 50 years.

Renzo Piano: The Art of Making Buildings runs from 15 September 2018 – 20 January 2019. Tickets available at royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/renzo-piano