Frank Gehry and others
J
Describe the career of Frank Gehry, the architect, and especially how he got started and what his first projects looked like and what materials they used.
CG
Frank Gehry, a renowned architect, is best known for his innovative and sculptural designs that challenge traditional architectural forms. He began his career after studying architecture at the University of Southern California and later at Harvard for city planning. Gehry's early works displayed a break from conventional architecture, notably through his renovation of his own home in Santa Monica in 1978. The house, made of chain-link fencing, plywood, and corrugated steel, marked a significant departure from traditional materials, setting the stage for his signature deconstructivist style
His first major projects were influenced by his interest in using everyday materials in unexpected ways. For instance, he created quirky, human-scaled structures and experimented with corrugated cardboard furniture in the late 1960s and early 1970s
Gehry's bold approach to design made his works stand out, blending art and architecture to form functional, yet visually dramatic structures
He gained widespread recognition in the 1980s and 1990s with major works like the Vitra Furniture Museum (1987) and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (1997), the latter becoming iconic for its flowing titanium forms
Gehry’s distinctive use of deconstructivism—characterized by fragmented, curving structures—redefined modern architecture. His career reflects a constant evolution, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary architecture
J
I had a question about his house in Santa Monica. Wasn't it against local building codes and were the neighbors not thrilled about this type of structure?
CG
Yes, Frank Gehry’s renovation of his own house in Santa Monica, which began in 1978, did stir controversy, primarily because it went against local building codes and the expectations of the neighborhood. Gehry used unconventional materials, such as chain-link fencing, corrugated steel, and unpainted plywood, which were not typically seen in residential architecture. This bold move created a visual contrast with the more traditional homes around it, and many neighbors were not thrilled about the design, which they saw as a stark departure from the community's aesthetic norms
Additionally, the house was not fully in compliance with building codes at the time, particularly with regard to the use of materials and the overall design. This led to some legal challenges and delays in construction. However, over time, the house became an iconic example of Gehry’s signature deconstructivist style, and it is now celebrated as a key work in his career
For more on Gehry’s Santa Monica house and the surrounding controversy, you can check out his biography and architectural resources that document his early works.
J
Is that house still standing?
CG
Yes, Frank Gehry's iconic house in Santa Monica is still standing. The renovation he completed in 1978, known as the Gehry House, has since become one of the most recognized examples of his architectural style. Despite the initial controversy, it remains a significant piece of his body of work. Over time, it has been celebrated for its innovative use of materials and deconstructivist design, influencing the architectural landscape. While the neighborhood initially rejected it, the house has now become a point of pride and a must-see example of Gehry’s early career
The house was also featured in exhibitions and architecture tours, further solidifying its place in architectural history. You can find more detailed information and images of the house in various architectural archives or Gehry's own publications.
J
Who are some of the architects that followed Gary and were influenced by his style and use of materials?
CG
Frank Gehry's revolutionary use of deconstructivism in architecture has influenced many modern architects, particularly those who embrace complexity and fragmentary designs. Several key figures in the movement followed Gehry’s path and incorporated elements of his style into their own work.
Zaha Hadid, for instance, is known for her flowing, dynamic forms, often using sharp angles and sweeping curves, much like Gehry’s designs. Her work, such as the Vitra Fire Station and the London Aquatics Centre, shares Gehry’s focus on fluidity and dramatic form. Daniel Libeskind, too, employed fragmented, angular geometries that echo Gehry’s deconstructivist influence, especially visible in his Jewish Museum in Berlin, which challenges traditional spatial order just as Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao does.
Other architects like Rem Koolhaas and Bernard Tschumi also drew from Gehry’s exploration of irregular shapes and non-orthogonal structures. These architects embraced similar principles, pushing the boundaries of conventional architecture by embracing asymmetry, industrial materials like steel and glass, and complex geometries that defy traditional notions of harmony and balance
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