The world of architecture has lost one of its most celebrated and imaginative voices. Frank Gehry, the visionary behind some of the planet's most iconic and sculptural buildings, passed away on Friday at his home in Santa Monica. He was 96 years old. The cause was a brief respiratory illness, as confirmed by his firm, Gehry Partners LLP.
A Legacy of Imaginative Masterpieces
Frank Gehry's career was defined by a radical departure from conventional design, creating structures that were more akin to monumental art. His fascination with modern pop art translated into wildly imaginative buildings that earned him a level of global fame rarely seen in architecture. He achieved the field's highest honors, winning every major prize, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize. His work was famously described as "refreshingly original and totally American."
Among his many legendary projects are several that redefined city skylines and became cultural landmarks:
- The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain: A shimmering titanium-clad structure that transformed the city into a global tourist destination.
- The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles: Its swooping stainless steel curves are a centerpiece of the city's cultural landscape.
- Berlin's DZ Bank Building: Featuring a breathtaking, sculptural conference hall inside a seemingly conventional shell.
- New York By Gehry: At 76 stories, this residential tower became a stunning fixture in Lower Manhattan's skyline.
- The IAC Building in New York: A luminous, beehive-like headquarters in Chelsea.
His other accolades include the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award, and Canada's Companion of the Order of Canada.
Controversy and Criticism Amid Acclaim
Despite his acclaim, Gehry's work was not without its detractors. Some critics dismissed his designs as oversized, lopsided versions of the scrap-wood models he built as a child in Timmins, Ontario. The family of President Dwight D. Eisenhower publicly objected to his flamboyant proposal for a memorial, desiring something simpler. That project remained unbuilt as of 2014.
Other notable criticisms included Princeton art critic Hal Foster calling some later works "oppressive" tourist attractions, and some denouncing the Disney Hall as resembling soggy cardboard boxes. Gehry himself showed a pragmatic side, notably agreeing to tone down a proposed expansion for Facebook's headquarters at the request of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who sought a more anonymous aesthetic.
A Lasting Influence on Architecture and Education
Gehry remained professionally active well into his 80s and was deeply committed to education. In 2011, he joined the faculty of his alma mater, the University of Southern California, as a professor of architecture. He had also taught at Yale and Columbia University over his long career, influencing generations of architects.
His career began with a pivotal moment at the Santa Monica Place mall, a project he later learned was slated for demolition in 2006. Amused, he remarked they might finally build his original idea. The mall was eventually remodeled with a contemporary, outdoor design, though it never became a Gehry masterpiece. His true legacy lies in the breathtaking, often controversial structures that continue to challenge and inspire our perception of the built environment. Frank Gehry's passing marks the end of an era, but his iconic buildings ensure his vision will endure for centuries.
