Renowned architect Frank Gehry passes away at the age of 96

Frank Gehry, the visionary architect who reshaped modern architecture in the latter half of the 20th century, has died at the age of 96. Gehry passed away at his Santa Monica residence following a brief respiratory illness, a spokesperson from Gehry Partners confirmed.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Gehry pursued architectural studies at the University of Southern California and furthered his education in urban planning at Harvard. In 1962, he established his own practice in Los Angeles. His early career breakthrough came in 1978 when he remodeled his own home using unconventional materials such as cinder blocks, plywood, corrugated metal, and chain-link fencing, drawing attention from the architectural community.

Reflecting on that period in a 2008 conversation with TED founder Richard Saul Wurman, Gehry said, We purchased a small bungalow in Santa Monica and for a modest sum, I built around it. A few people took notice, and that set things in motion.

Gehry received the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989, catapulting him to global recognition. In his late 60s, he was commissioned to design the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spainconsidered the crowning achievement of his career. Upon visiting the museum in 1998, the late architect Philip Johnson was moved to tears, with Vanity Fair hailing Gehry as the greatest architect we have today.

Known for pushing architectural boundaries, Gehry employed advanced design software, often used in aerospace, to create sculptural, flowing forms. The titanium-clad Guggenheim, curving along the riverbank, was described as a gargantuan bouquet of writhing silver fish, showcasing Gehrys recurring inspiration from nature, music, and diverse cultural elements such as Japanese Buddhist temples and Stratocaster guitars.

The success of the Guggenheim led to numerous landmark projects including the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle (2000), the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (2003), and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris (2014). In recognition of his impact, Gehry received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016.

Despite his fame, Gehry often downplayed the theatricality of his work. In a 2013 interview, he remarked, You are not going to call me a starchitect? I hate that. Known for his plain-spoken humor and approachable personality, Gehry remained grounded throughout his illustrious career.

Describing his signature style, Gehry explained that it emerged as a reaction against Postmodernism. He often drew inspiration from fish, a motif he believed conveyed movement and architectural dynamism, stating, If you have to go backward, why not go back 300 million years before man, to fish?

Gehrys revolutionary approach transformed the architectural landscape, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and innovation.

Author: Aiden Foster