Frank Gehry has passed away: the world has lost a genius of architecture who changed cities.

According to ТСН: The world has lost one of the most significant architects of the 20th century, Frank Gehry, whose contributions include iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He died at the age of 96 in Santa Monica after a brief respiratory illness.

His death was reported by representatives of Gehry Partners. Frank Gehry was born in Toronto, Canada, received his architectural education at the University of Southern California, and studied urban planning at Harvard University. In 1962, he founded his own architectural firm in Los Angeles.

Early Career and First Successes

A turning point was the project to remodel his home in Santa Monica in 1978. Using unconventional materials such as cinder blocks, plywood, corrugated metal, and chicken wire, Gehry created a house that received initial recognition.

“We bought a tiny bungalow and I built a house around it for about $50,000... And a few people were fascinated by it,”

In 1989, Gehry received the Pritzker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in architecture. However, true fame came with the commission to create the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The building, clad in titanium, flowed and shimmered, reminiscent of

“a huge bouquet of silver fish,”

Impact on Architecture and Legacy

Gehry's success in Bilbao opened up new opportunities for work on other landmark projects, such as 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 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Gehry changed perceptions of architecture by utilizing computer programs used in aircraft manufacturing for his designs. His inspiration stemmed from natural forms, Japanese temples, hockey, and Stratocaster guitars.

The architect was known for his straightforwardness, quiet voice, and good sense of humor. Colleagues noted his immense influence on architecture and human qualities.

Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH, characterized Gehry as

“a dear friend”

“He will remain a genius of lightness, transparency, and grace,”

Nancy Pelosi highly appreciated the architect's contributions, stating that

“Frank left an indelible mark on Los Angeles, California, the USA, and the world — not only through his projects but also through his generosity.”

Gehry himself rejected labels and believed that his architectural language was a response to postmodernism and a desire to return to primal forms of nature:

“I said to myself, 'Why not go back 300 million years, to the time before humans, to the fish?' And that was when I began to draw my 'fish designs',”

Frank Gehry left a legacy that radically changed the architectural landscape of the world and continues to inspire new generations of architects.

The death of Frank Gehry was a significant loss for the architectural community. His unique approach and innovative solutions laid the foundations of contemporary architecture, and his projects continue to evoke admiration worldwide. His influence can be felt not only in architecture but also in the cultural environment he shaped throughout his life.