Wembley and Gherkin architect Norman Foster given freedom of the City of London | City A.M.

The British architect behind some of the world’s most iconic buildings has been given the freedom of the City of London.

Norman Foster was today presented with the accolade at a ceremony at Guildhall in recognition of his outstanding contribution to contemporary architecture.

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Formally titled Lord Foster of Thames Bank OM, the 81-year-old has designed some of the London’s best-known sites, including the Gherkin, City Hall, the Millennium Bridge and Wembley Stadium.

And the work of the Manchester-born architect is not just restricted to the UK; he designed the Reichstag building in Berlin, the Hearst Tower in New York, Spaceport in New Mexico and the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt.

Lord Foster said he was “humbled by this very special honour” that dates back to 1237, adding: “The City of London is steeped in several centuries of history, a fact that is reflected in the buildings that surround us, and its rich traditions that are alive and well today.”

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Christopher Hayward, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee said:

During a career that has spanned five decades, Norman Foster has left an indelible mark on major cities across the globe by designing visually stunning buildings that stand as monuments to his remarkable talent.

“His passion for his work is abundantly clear, and we are delighted to admit him into the freedom of the City of London to recognise his legacy.”