Renowned Architect Frank Gehry Has Passed Away—Here Are His Top 10 Iconic Designs

The world of architecture has lost a true pioneer: Frank Gehry, the renowned architect, passed away on December 5 at the age of 96. A prominent figure in the field since the 1970s, Gehry has earned a place among the architectural greats such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Zaha Hadid. Over the course of his career, the Canadian-American architect made his mark on cities around the globe, from the famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain to a unique residential tower in the heart of Manhattan. His work is easily identifiable, characterized by innovative use of materials, sweeping curves, and a modern yet playful design approach. While often associated with the deconstructivist movementknown for embracing fragmented, unconventional formsGehry himself resisted this label. Nevertheless, he was undeniably a trailblazer, pushing the limits of what architecture could achieve, seamlessly blending the past, present, and future. As we reflect on his extraordinary contributions, let's revisit some of his most iconic designs that defined his career, from global landmarks to more hidden treasures. Gehrys bold vision will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of designers.

Gehry Residence

Before becoming a household name in architecture, Gehry focused primarily on residential projects. In the 1970s, he and his wife, Berta, lived in this home in Santa Monica. Originally a 1920s Dutch Colonial house, Gehry transformed it with his signature style, incorporating chainlink fencing and raw plywood. Although his updates were controversial at the time, this residence marked the beginning of his groundbreaking architectural journey.

Vitra Design Museum

Completed in 1989, the Vitra Design Museum in Germany was Gehrys first project in Europe. The design features a unique combination of towers, ramps, and cubes, which solidified Gehry's influence on the deconstructivism movement. Despite its minimal windows, the buildings solid form creates a stark contrast with the surrounding greenery, making it an imposing yet harmonious structure.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Arguably Gehrys most famous project, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, was finished in 1997 and is considered one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Gehry utilized CATIA software, originally created for the aerospace industry, to bring his curved and fluid design to life. The museums exterior is clad with over 33,000 titanium sheets, a feature that became central to many of Gehrys later works.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

Gehrys design for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles diverged from the typical castle-like architecture associated with the Disney brand. What began as a vision to create a "living room" for the city turned into a monumental project that took 16 years to complete. The building is best known for its stainless steel "sails," although Gehry initially considered using stone for the exterior, before ultimately being influenced by the success of the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Hotel Marqus de Riscal

In 2006, Gehry brought his innovative style to Spain's wine region with the Hotel Marqus de Riscal in Elciego. The "modern chateau" is draped in colorful titanium ribbons that evoke the smooth texture of a fine glass of tempranillo wine.

LUMA Arles Foundation

Gehrys creative use of materials is on full display in the LUMA Arles Foundation in France. This striking building, which stands 183 feet tall, is clad in stainless steel bricks. The pairing of glass and concrete below gives the structure a multifaceted appearance, resembling a gemstone. Designed in collaboration with Maja Hoffmann, the buildings twisting form makes it a standout piece of architecture.

Foundation Louis Vuitton

Unlike many of Gehrys other works that highlight his use of steel and titanium, the Foundation Louis Vuitton showcases his skill with glass. Gehry envisioned a transparent cloud resting on the edge of the Jardin d'Acclimatation, creating a light, floating effect using over 3,600 glass panels.

DZ Bank Building

Gehrys work on the DZ Bank in Berlin challenges the notion that his designs are always visually striking on the outside. Completed in 2001, the building's limestone faade appears modest compared to Gehrys usual works. However, inside, the space reveals a dramatic, stainless steel room, often compared to the shape of a horses head, demonstrating the architects unexpected approach to interior design.

Dancing House

Completed in 1996, the Dancing House in Prague features two glass and stone towers that mimic the movement of a dancing couple. The design is rumored to have been inspired by the famous Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, with the buildings' flowing forms representing their dance.

8 Spruce

Opened in 2011, 8 Spruce reimagines the typical New York City skyscraper through Gehry's unique vision. This 78-story building in Manhattan is clad in over 10,000 stainless steel panels of varying shapes, giving the structure a distorted, yet striking, appearance.

Frank Gehrys legacy will live on through his architectural masterpieces, influencing generations of designers and continuing to inspire creativity in the field.