Architectural Photography
Who is your favorite architect?
In my recent piece on Hudson Yards, I focused on the Vessel as the centerpiece of that development. Its designer and architect, Thomas Heatherwick, has well-defined opinions about what a building should be like, as pointed out to me by Andrew Eberlin (
).Today’s post is along the same theme but focuses more on my favorite architect. You may have your own favorite, so please comment, send some of your photos, and I will compile your thoughts into a longer post.
My Favorite Architect
When I photograph a building, walk around it, and make my way into it, I can feel my mood change. One can feel the effect a building can have; it can affect you physically, your mood and even your personality. Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite architects.
He is none other than Frank Gehry, the Canadian-born architect famous for his shape-shifting buildings clad in stainless steel. My first encounter with a Gehry building was the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. I stumbled upon the site, as I walked around downtown LA. Alfred Brendel, the world-famous pianist was giving his final ‘live’ performance that evening. I was able to buy a ticket from someone whose friend couldn’t make it to the concert.
Brendel came onstage alone, sat the piano in front of the magnificent pipe-organ, and played non-stop for over two hours. It was a memorable concert, and after that I became a fan of his recordings. I walked around the building before-and-after the concert and I could feel its effect on me. It was exhilarating.
Why do I Love Gehry’s Buildings?
What is it about his buildings that put a smile on my face? They are happy buildings, full of surprises. The walls are not square, but rather soar into the air, giving the feeling of openness, of opportunity, of space, and of wonder. They keep me on my toes, hoping to see something new and surprising just around the next corner. When you experience a Gehry, you are changed forever.
Below are a series of YouTube videos showing the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. There are five short videos, Parts 1-5, extolling the architecture, the acoustics, the organ, the intimate spaces and a public park with a unique Gehry-designed fountain.
Gehry is responsible for some wonderful buildings worldwide. Here are a few that stand out for me:
The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao Spain
Prague’s Dancing House, the Velvet Revolution’s building
The Fisher Center for Performing Arts, Bard College
Recently I attended a concert at Bard College, located at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. To my pleasant surprise, the building was designed by Mr. Gehry. I took some photos with my iPhone and show them below.
Who is Your Favorite Architect?
I would like to know who your favorite architect is. Please drop me a note or a comment with some photos or links, and I will compile them into a post for us to share.
Thank you Larry for the the interesting read, and also the mention.
Your previous post prompted me to watch this programme on Sky Arts about The Vessel last night (https://www.sky.com/watch/channel/sky-arts/the-art-of-architecture/episodes/season-1/episode-4).
I can see why you like Frank Gehry so much. I would love to visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao. I didn't think I had seen any of his buildings until reading your post and realising that I stumbled on the Dancing House in Prague a few years ago without knowing what it was.
As for my favourite architect - that's a tough one. While I ponder on that, my favourite building is the National Theatre in London. I never tire of photographing it!
A great photograph provides visual evidence that the importance of place.