Remembering Colin Fournier, 1944–2024

The AA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colin Fournier (AADipl 1969, PlanDipl 1971). An AA alum and former tutor, Colin attended the five-year course at the school between 1964–69 and completed an AA Planning Diploma in 1971. He was also a cofounder of Archigram.

The following tribute has been written by John Lyall (FRIBA, FRSA, AA student 1968–74):

‘It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of the wonderful Colin Fournier. He was one of my favourite tutors at the AA. I admired him for his wise advice, and his elegant charm and smiles. He was always good to be around…we all learned a lot from him…he was a candid, but generous critic. His quiet, unassuming persona disguised the range of amazing work he was doing in various parts of the world…he didn’t talk about it much and didn’t court publicity. It was such a joy then to go to the opening of the 'Friendly Alien' arts centre in Graz that Colin had designed with Peter Cook, and spend a couple of days with him understanding their beautifully funky building in the staid Austrian setting. A well-deserved triumph for Colin! Thank you for your influence on me as a young architect!’

An obituary for Colin by Nigel Coates has been published on The Guardian. Read more.

Image credit: Kunsthaus Graz, Austria, by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, seen from the Schlossberg hill. Photograph by Georg Mittenecker, 2006, courtesy Wikimedia Commons.