Since the 1980s he has been among the leading figures in the contemporary architectural scene. In 2000 he was awarded the honor of Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de la République Française, in 2006 he received the title of Cavaliere di Gran Croce from the President of the Italian Republic, and in 2010 he received the Légion d'Honneur from the President of the French Republic. In his work he has always paid special attention to the analysis of urban problems and large metropolitan areas.