Gehry
Frank
And Master of Deconstruction
Architectural Visionary
Frank Gehry is considered one of the most influential architects of the late 20th century.
Odyssey of Frank Henry
Life's Journey: The Year-by-Year
Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness
1929
Life's Journey:
The Year-by-Year
From his early days in this diverse metropolis, a tale of potential
and possibility unfolds, as he embarks
on the exciting adventure of life, carrying the spirit of Toronto with him.
Frank Owen Goldberg came into this world on February 28 in the vibrant city
of Toronto, Canada.
1947
Frank Owen Goldberg made a pivotal
move to Los Angeles, where he commenced his architectural studies
at the University оf Southern California.
This marked the beginning of a transformative, chapter, as the bustling city and academic endeavours shaped his journey towards becoming an architect.
1954
Frank Owen Goldberg achieved
a significant milestone, graduating from the University of Southern California
with a degree in architecture.
Armed with knowledge and a passion for design, He set out to leave his imprint on the architectural landscape, marking the beginning
of his academic journey.
1962
Liquid architecture.
It’s like jazz — you improvise, you work together, you play off each other, you make something, they make something. And I think it’s a way of- for me, it’s a way of trying to understand the city, and what might happen in the city.
Frank Owen Goldberg took a bold step in his architectural career by establishing his own firm, Gehry Partners, LLP. This marked the beginning of a ground-breaking era, where Gehry's innovative and iconic designs would go on to redefine the boundaries of contemporary architecture.
Over the years, Gehry Partners has become synonymous with avant-garde creations, contributing significantly to the architectural landscape on a global scale.
Liquid architecture. It’s like jazz — you improvise, you work together,
you play off each other, you make something, they make something.
And I think it’s a way of- for me, it’s a way of trying to understand the city, and what might happen in the city.
1978
Frank Owen Goldberg reached a significant design milestone when he created the groundbreaking Easy Edges furniture series. This collection was widely recognised as revolutionary for its experimentation with unconventional materials.
Gehry explored the artistic potential of cardboard, transforming it into sculptural and functional pieces that challenged traditional notions of furniture. The Easy Edges series not only showcased Gehry's innovative approach, but also left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary design.
1989
Frank Owen Goldberg earned international acclaim with the completion of the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.
This architectural masterpiece, characterised by Gehry’s signature deconstructivist style, stood as a testament to his ability
to seamlessly blend form and function.
The Vitra Design Museum became a cultural landmark, attracting attention for its innovative design and contributing to Gehry's global reputation as a visionary architect.
The Vitra Design Museum became a cultural landmark, attracting attention for its innovative design and contributing to Gehry's global reputation as a visionary architect.
1997
Frank Owen Goldberg achieved monumental success transforming the landscape of modern architecture with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Gehry's design, characterised by its iconic curvilinear forms and titanium-clad exterior, not only redefined museum architecture but also revitalised the cityscape and sparked a global discourse about the intersection of art and architecture.
The Guggenheim Bilbao stands as a timeless symbol of Gehry's ground-breaking vision and influence on the architectural world.
Some people may say my curved panels look like sails. Well, I am a sailor, so I guess I probably
do use that metaphor
in my work - though not consciously.
The Guggenheim Bilbao stands as a timeless symbol of Gehry's ground-breaking vision and influence on the architectural world.
2003
Some people may say my curved panels look like sails. Well, I am a sailor, so I guess I probably do use that metaphor
in my work - though not consciously.
Frank Owen Goldberg realised a long-awaited dream with the completion of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
This architectural marvel, characterised by its fluid and dynamic forms, not only serves as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts but also stands as a testament to Gehry's ongoing legacy in shaping iconic and innovative structures in his hometown.
This architectural marvel, characterised by its fluid and dynamic forms, not only serves as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts but also stands as a testament to Gehry's ongoing legacy in shaping iconic and innovative structures in his hometown.
Some people may say my curved panels look like sails. Well, I am a sailor, so I guess I probably do use that metaphor in my work -
though not consciously.
2014
Frank Owen Goldberg was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honour a civilian could aspire for in the United States. This prestigious recognition underscored Gehry's exceptional contribution to architecture and design, affirming his lasting impact on the cultural and artistic landscape.
The award celebrated his visionary achievements and influence, solidifying Gehry's place among the most distinguished figures in American architecture.
Frank Owen Goldberg was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honour a civilian could aspire for in the United States. This prestigious recognition underscored Gehry's exceptional contribution to architecture and design, affirming his lasting impact on the cultural and artistic landscape.
2021
Frank Owen Goldberg continues to shape the architectural landscape with his enduring impact: he was actively involved in ongoing projects such as the Grand Avenue Project in Los Angeles.
Gehry's commitment to innovation and transformative design persists, marking yet another chapter in his prolific career, as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the evolving tapestry of contemporary architecture.
In the wake of Disney Hall's
completion in 2003, Frank
Gehry's creative fervour
continued, shaping
the architectural narrative
with unparalleled innovation.
After Disney: A Pinnacle of Creativity, Gehry's Architectural Resonance
I work from 
the inside out.
This post-Disney chapter witnessed the emergence of iconic structures, including the serene Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris (2014) and the transformative Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (1997).
Gehry's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining architectural norms persisted, leaving an enduring imprint on the global landscape.
These post-Disney years underscored Gehry's status as a visionary architect, seamlessly blending artistry and functionality.
Frank Gehry's enduring legacy extends far beyond steel and glass. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of innovation, challenging the conventional and reshaping the world's architectural narrative.
There are a lot of questions about whether architecture is art. The people who ask that think pretty tract houses are architecture. But that doesn't hold up.
A Legacy Unveiled
Navigating the realms of art and architecture, Gehry's work transcends boundaries. From the expressive curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the dynamic sails of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, his creations embody a fusion of form, function, and the transformative power of design.
Navigating the realms of art and architecture, Gehry's work transcends boundaries. From the expressive curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the dynamic sails of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, his creations embody a fusion of form, function, and the transformative power of design.
Frank Gehry
a Frank Gehry
building
It's a signature.
A not-for-profit project created as
a tribute to the work of the great architect
There are a lot of questions about whether architecture is art. The people who ask that think pretty tract houses are architecture. But that doesn't hold up.
There are a lot of questions about whether architecture is art.
The people who ask that think pretty tract houses are architecture.
But that doesn't hold up.
You have freedom, so you have to make choices - and at the point when I make a choice, the building starts to look like