The architectural world is in mourning following the death of Frank Gehry, one of its most celebrated and inventive figures, at the age of 96. The news was confirmed by his chief of staff, Meaghan Lloyd, who stated Gehry passed away at his Santa Monica home after a brief respiratory illness.
A Lifetime of Groundbreaking Design
Frank Gehry's career was defined by a series of bold, sculptural buildings that redefined city skylines and became global landmarks. His most famous works include the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, a structure credited with revitalising the entire city, and the gleaming stainless steel sails of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Another notable design is the distinctive DZ Bank Building in Berlin.
His contribution to the field was recognised with every major honour, most notably the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1989. The prize committee lauded his "refreshingly original and totally American" body of work, cementing his status as a master of contemporary architecture.
From Model Cities to Global Acclaim
Gehry's journey into architecture began unconventionally. As a child, he loved art and building model cities, but it wasn't until a college teacher spotted his innate talent when he was twenty that he considered it a profession. "It was like the first thing in my life that I'd done well in," he later recalled.
He formalised his studies at the University of Southern California in 1954, later returning as a professor. Gehry also shared his knowledge at other prestigious institutions, including Yale and Columbia University.
A Cultural Icon Beyond Blueprints
Gehry's fame transcended the world of design, making him a recognisable cultural figure. In a memorable 2005 episode of The Simpsons, he voiced himself. The plot saw him design a concert hall inspired by a crumpled letter from Marge Simpson, a nod to his creative process, before famously declaring, "Frank Gehry, you've done it again!"
He is survived by his wife, Berta, daughter Brina, and sons Alejandro and Samuel. His daughter, Leslie Gehry Brenner, predeceased him in 2008 after a battle with cancer. The legacy of Frank Gehry, however, stands permanent in the soaring, unforgettable structures he gifted to the world.
