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One of the most famous architects in the world, Frank Gehry, said yesterday that he thinks the English just don't get him. "I've been told so many times by so many people, 'we really admire your work' - but I always hear an unspoken 'just don't put any of it here'."
The spectacular structure is anchored by four massive steel columns and is comprised of large timber planks and a complex network of overlapping glass planes that create a dramatic, multi-dimensional space. Part-amphitheatre, part-promenade, these seemingly random elements will make a transformative place for reflection and relaxation by day, and discussion and performance by night.
Gehry said: “The Pavilion is designed as a wooden timber structure that acts as an urban street running from the park to the existing Gallery. Inside the Pavilion, glass canopies are hung from the wooden structure to protect the interior from wind and rain and provide for shade during sunny days. The Pavilion is much like an amphitheatre, designed to serve as a place for live events, music, performance, discussion and debate. As the visitor walks through the Pavilion they have access to terraced seating on both sides of the urban street. In addition to the terraced seating there are five elevated seating pods, which are accessed around the perimeter of the Pavilion. These pods serve as visual markers enclosing the street and can be used as stages, private viewing platforms and dining areas.”
Inspired by Da Vinci's catapult and the striped walls of beach huts in summer, his wood, glass and steel creation will remain open until mid-October.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (11)
at 15:16 on July 10th, 2008
mchawk, I like this story. It's good stuff. The pavillion looks like good stuff too.
at 15:19 on July 10th, 2008
Hi Julian - thanks for the flag!
To my mind, London can't have enough good, modern architecture. We're too reserved at times!
at 15:19 on July 10th, 2008
mchawk, I like this story. It's good stuff.
Thanks for the pictures too!
at 15:22 on July 10th, 2008
mchawk, I'm a big Gehry fan, I'm sure this will be a welcome addition to the London skyline. Good stuff.
at 15:49 on July 10th, 2008
Fascinating. I did not recognize the name, but I certainly recognized the buildings. It is nice to see materials arranged in a manner they are not "supposed" to be.
at 18:13 on July 10th, 2008
Gehry is a one trick pony and that trick in Spain is, at best, ho hum. His buildings are out of scale and harmony with their surroundings, inefficient in their use of material and will become dated as people grow familiar with their "novelty". His work is like that neighbor who insists on painting their house in bright lavender. It's not beautiful, it just stands out.
at 23:05 on July 10th, 2008
Gehry might be a one trick pony, but then so is Al Pacino. In both cases, it's a bloody good trick that people like to see time and time again.
at 20:07 on July 10th, 2008
mchawk, I like this story. It looks interesting: Ive always been an admirer! But I think im right in saying this is not his first building in the uk! Didnt he build the graduate centre for North London University, on Holloway Road?
at 20:12 on July 10th, 2008
No, Im wrong!! That was Libeskind! Sorry!
at 08:17 on July 11th, 2008
my architect husband and i have had some lively discussions when it comes to gehry's works! gehry's 'deconstructive' style is sculptural, made up of complex geometric forms which break away from the routine/traditional styles. his architecture may be called the work of a genius or a megalomania, but he definitely has made an everlasting contribution to the world's skyline. however, isnt he repetitive?
at 09:50 on July 11th, 2008
I'll grant you, he is a bit 'variations on a theme' and little else. I have the same problem with Gaudi - they both produce works of art, rather than working buildings. Great to look at, but you couldn't live in them. I think their merit lies more in them being inspirational rather than practical. Gimme Victorian gothic-revival any day!