Gehry described as a ‘visionary’ who ‘set a new standard for creativity’ in architecture
Professionals from across the built environment and beyond have paid tribute to Frank Gehry, who died on Friday aged 96.
Gehry died at his home in Los Angeles following a brief respiratory illness, according to his his chief of staff.
He is survived by two daughters from his first marriage, Leslie and Brina, as well as his wife, Berta Isabel Aguilera, and their two sons, Alejandro and Samuel.
Stephen Ayers, interim chief executive of US professional body the American Institute of Architects, said Gehry was a “visionary” who “redefined architecture, transforming buildings into works of art that inspire and uplift”.
> Also read: Frank Gehry: from LA experimentalist to the architect of the Bilbao effect
“His courage to challenge tradition shaped skylines and minds alike, setting a new standard for creativity in our field. Frank’s legacy lives on in every architect he inspires and every city forever changed by his work,” Ayers added.
US practice Gensler said in a statement on social media: “We at Gensler are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Frank Gehry. His visionary approach to architecture transformed skylines around the world and inspired generations of designers to think more boldly and compassionately about the built environment.”
The firm said its founder, Art Gensler, had been a “valued friend” of Gehry and the two “shared a passion for advancing our profession and championing the role of architecture in enriching the human experience”.
Gensler added: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His legacy will continue to influence and elevate our profession for years to come.”
A Canadian-American, Gehry, who was born in Toronto in 1928, was acclaimed for his avant garde, experimental style of architecture.
He was arguably best-known for his titanium-covered design of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, which opened in 1997.
Canadian prime minister and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney extended his “deepest condolences” to Gehry’s family and the “many admirers of his work”.
He added: “His unmistakable vision lives on in iconic buildings around the world.”
Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum said: “We will be forever grateful. His spirit and legacy will always remain connected to Bilbao.”
One of Gehry’s few UK projects was his two-block Prospect Place residential scheme at Battersea Power Station that was completed three years ago. He also designed a Maggie’s Centre in Dundee which opened in 2003.
Battersea Power Station said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of Gehry’s death. “Frank was a visionary architect whose work reshaped cities around the world, from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
“We are incredibly proud that Prospect Place at Battersea Power Station is his only residential project in the UK.”
Construction will begin next year on two further Gehry-designed buildings at Battersea Power Station. The architect described the scheme in a 2013 interview with the Financial Times as a “love letter to London,” adding that he put his “heart and soul into it because this is a city that I love.”
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