Thursday, Mar. 19, 2009

Renzo Piano

AGE: 71
OCCUPATION: Architect
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 1

PRO: The Italian master — known for his vibrant, forward-thinking designs — remains in high demand worldwide, with new works this year in Chicago and Athens. And his New York Times Building, with its striking curtain wall, is a hit with unwanted skyscraper climbers.

CON: The recession could force him to scale back some of his more ambitious plans.