Renzo Piano, renowned worldwide for his architectural genius, was yesterday bestowed with one of the highest Italian honours when he was nominated as senator for life by President Giorgio Napolitano. The 75-year-old architect, whose work includes the Shard in London, Pompidou Centre in Paris and Valletta’s new Parliament building and entrance, will have voting rights in Italy’s higher chamber with a handful of other Italian statesman, including former President Carlo Azelio Ciampi and ex-Prime Minister Mario Monti.