The architectural world is in mourning following the death of the legendary designer Frank Gehry. The Canadian-American visionary, whose sculptural buildings redefined city skylines from Bilbao to Los Angeles, passed away at the age of 96. He died after a brief respiratory illness on Friday, 5 December 2025.
The Legacy of a Visionary
Frank Gehry leaves behind a portfolio of breathtaking structures that challenged conventional design. His work, characterised by undulating titanium, fragmented forms and daring curves, turned buildings into global landmarks. His first building in New York, the IAC Building completed in 2007, showcased his distinctive glass façade on the city's waterfront. Yet, it was the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, that truly cemented his status, famously credited with revitalising an entire city through architecture alone.
Gehry's influence was not confined to one continent. His projects spanned the globe, demonstrating a unique ability to adapt his visionary style to different cultures and functions. From concert halls to art galleries, each structure bore his unmistakable signature while serving its community.
Global Icons in Focus
Among his most celebrated works is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, a symphony of shining stainless steel sails. In Europe, the Dancing House in Prague stands as a playful deconstructivist landmark, while the Luma Foundation in Arles, France, resembles a swirling tower of aluminium and stone. In the UK, his contribution includes the serene Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London's Hyde Park and the compassionate Maggies Centre in Dundee, Scotland, a care centre known for its supportive and innovative design.
Other notable projects include:
- The biomorphic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.
- The shimmering 8 Spruce Street skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, New York.
- The titanium-clad hotel at the Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain.
- The vibrant, colourful MIT Stata Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
An Enduring Impact on Design
Frank Gehry's passing marks the end of an era for contemporary architecture. Awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1989, his work transcended mere construction, blending art, sculpture, and engineering. He proved that architecture could be both profoundly emotional and economically transformative, as seen in the 'Bilbao Effect'. His buildings were not just places to visit but experiences that engaged the public and reshaped urban identity.
His death is a significant loss, but his physical legacy remains etched in steel, titanium, and stone across the world's great cities. From the banks of the River Nervión in Spain to the streets of Düsseldorf, his incredible structures will continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.
