SESSION XV: Beyond Design

Define architecture in 2020. To some the answer or definition lies in the shapes, others the functionality of a program, or even how a project responds to its context (looking at you Moneo). In todays world in which we bask in almost every freedom imaginable (or at least those not even conceivable centuries ago) design labels can pose more of a constrain for creativity rather than a tool for dutiful classification. In contrast to late 19th and 20th century design, where the repetition of elements characterized the Modernist movement, today there is no such uniformity; cultural, social, political, and technological factors have facilitated an

architecture that knows no boundaries, and as a result, is too diverse to fit under a single label. This can be seen when comparing the works of Frank Gehry and Rafael Moneo; two very accomplished, yet distinct, designers.

A small glance at their personality and processes will very easily evidence a strong

polarity between the two. Moneo, a reserved, yet humble man who carefully

measures his words, designs from the standpoint of a scholar and educator.

Valuing history and environment above aesthetics, Moneo ensures each one of his

projects relates effectively to their respective sites, reflected through his designs’

forms, choice in materials, and response to their environments; as a result, every

one of his buildings are timeless and unique to their surroundings.

On the polar opposite of the so called “architecture spectrum” we have Frank Gehry, a staunch believer in art as fundamental element of architecture. A pop culture icon, Gehry is recognized for his radical style and his controversial postures regarding design, having once stated that “ninety-eight per cent of everything that is built today is

pure shit. There’s no sense of design, no respect for humanity or for anything else”.

Unlike Moneo, Gehry’s works bear little to no connection to their surroundings, primarily because he designs as a plastic artist. For this reason, his designs are easily distinguishable from “today’s shit”.

Let us look at some of their projects to better appreciate the differences;

the Kursaal and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao are considered the height of both

architect’s careers. Both are public buildings serving similar purposes even both

facing the sea.

Among the shores of San Sebastián, Spain, Kursaal is comprised of two cubes, which emulate geological formations through its slanted faces, size, and proximity to nature. Additionally, both volumes have a ribbed, yet transparent glass shell, which projects a warm glow to the interiors by day which contrasts to its nightly beauty. On the other hand, the Guggenheim in Bilbao is one gargantuan, twisting

sculpture that resembles the shape of a ship. Similar to Moneo’s Kursaal, the

exterior, while curved, resembles a shell; nonetheless it reflects sunlight, drawing

more attention onto itself. Finally, texture plays an important role in separating

both artists and their inherent philosophies. Moneo’s is clean and consistent, while

Gehry’s titanium panels, upon close inspection, are dented and imperfect,

suggesting the spontaneity of his process and sparking feelings of anxiousness.

Gehry, a man of the present, and Moneo, a man of the past and its traditions. A comparison between Moneo, whose work reinterprets the past, and Gehry, who creates something entirely new, shows different ways of tackling an architectural task. However opposite they may be, these differences perhaps mark a significant similarity between them. However distinct they may be, they share their drive for innovative design and reinterpretative architecture; as respective peaks of their styles, both encapsulate a factor that permeates through the human condition, it's ability to create.

References:

• Belogolovsky, V. (2020, March 04). Rafael Moneo believes good architecture must be innovative but rooted in its place. Retrieved December 02, 2020, from https://www.stirworld.com/think-columns-rafael-moneo-believes-good-architecture-must-be-innovative-but-rooted-in-its-place

• Elogio de la luz - Rafael Moneo, coraje y convicción. (2013, January 03). Retrieved December 02, 2020, from https://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/elogio-de-la-luz/elogio-luz-rafael-moneo-coraje-conviccion/1525590/

• Netto, D. (2013, April 12). Lost in Translation. Retrieved December 02, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/12/t-magazine/lost-in-translation.html

• Pollack, S. (Director). (2006). Sketches of Frank Gehry. United States: Sony Pictures Classics.