Frank Gehry: maximalist master who created instant icons like the Bilbao Guggenheim

Frank Gehry, the influential architect known for his maximalist and unconventional designs, has died at 96. He gained international recognition for his distinctive, sculptural buildings that defied traditional architectural norms. Gehry's career reached a turning point with the 1997 Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, a titanium-clad structure that revitalized the city and popularized the "Bilbao effect," demonstrating the power of iconic architecture to drive cultural tourism. Other notable works include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Gehry's designs often featured unconventional materials and forms, rejecting the modernist "less is more" approach. His buildings are recognizable for their scrunched contours and gravity-defying appearance.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories