But in the concrete case this circumstance from an offset turns into an advantage. Creative zeal and ambition could be even much more motivating when aristocratism is not granted by birth. “When necessary, Norman Foster fights as professional boxer, in a gentlemen profession” (Хаберлик, 2008:188) is a suitable metaphor, a typical example for architectural natural selection – survive only the most adaptable to the environment. Supplementary to this law of nature, the general cultural milieu amidst a certain society could be much more favorable than other, and this is an asset that should be taken into consideration as a prerequisite for personal development. The chances of obtaining qualified high rate education are incomparable and the initial ambition for achievements in this case serves as an enhancement.
c) Education and training Most of the architectural superstars avail of suitable biographies, socially and financially. If they don’t, the usual compensation is a high-class education. Graduation from a prestigious high school is a decisive prerequisite – all of the renowned contemporary architects which define and structure the sense of architecture today have studied in authoritative English or American universities, often gaining special qualifications in more than one reputable educational institution. E.g. – Rem Koollhaas – Architectural Association in London and Cornell University, Peter Zumthor – Pratt University in New York, Greg Lynn – Princeton University, Zaha Hadid – AA also, Richard Rogers – Yale University School of Architecture. The great architects of the world have been often interrelated as teachers and disciples. Training practice in a prominent architectural office of high reputation has served in many successful architectural careers as a basic steppingstone. The examples are ubiquitous. Greg Lynn worked for Peter Eisenman. James Sterling has been much influenced by his teacher, the theorist and urbanist Colin Rowe. Also Colin Rowe and Mamfredo Tafuri have been mentors of Peter Eisenman. Jean Nouvel has worked as project manager for the famous cultural theorist Paul Virilio. David Chipperfield has consecutively worked for Richard Rogers and Norman Foster, after his graduation in the School of Architecture of the Architectural Association in London. Zaha Hadid who has also studied there, started her professional career in OMA with Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis. Daniel Libeskind worked with Richard Meier in 1968 and with Peter Eisenman in 1972. Robert Ventury, who has graduated Princeton University summa cum laude (with excellency) has worked shortly with Eero Saarinen and Louis Kahn. Renzo Piano has also worked with Louis Kahn in Philadelphia. Jan Kaplicky established FUTURE SYSTEMS (they designed Selfridges in Birmingham) further to his employment by Foster Associates in 1979 and ten years later Amanda Levete joined him, coming from Richard Rogers and Partners. Cesar Pelli started his career from Eeero Saarinen’s burro and Moshe Safdie – from Louis Kahn’s. The recently well-known 58