Posts Tagged ‘designs’

The 1940s were a tough time for almost everyone, but not so for a little boy with a big imagination. Frank Owen Gehry, born and raised Ephraim Owen Goldberg in Toronto, Ontario, was intrigued with the most insignificant of articles, trash to most. Ephraim’s grandfather owned a hardware store that held many treasures in creating new and exciting little cities. Today, Frank Gehry tops the list as one of the most accomplished architects and designers in the world with his buildings and modern home furniture.

Gehrys architectural designs have received harsh criticism from designers who see his work as overshadowing a buildings intended use with an overwhelming nature. Others applaud the fresh, non-traditional role that a Gehry building offers to society and welcome his methods with awards and embrace his role as Distinguished Professor of Architecture at Columbia University and the Yale School of Architecture. He continues to receive many national, regional and local A.I.A. awards, in addition to the Pritzker Prize in 1989.

Structural design is not the only focus for the busy Canadian born designer and celebrity. Smaller, detail oriented pieces like jewelry, household items, sculptures and furniture also capture a fascination for Gehry. Easy Edges, was his first furniture line that was featured in 1969, made completely out of cardboard. The latest modern furniture creation is the Gehry Furniture Collection by Heller, featuring sturdy, whimsical and comfortable movable pieces for recreation, entertaining or everyday use.

Massive architectural designs by Gehry are located all over the world. A few of his outstanding creations include Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic, Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain. Seeming never to rest before beginning yet another unique design, Gehry is currently working on the Performing Arts Complex at the World Trade Center site, New York City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA, among several other international projects.

Frank often refers to his love of sculpting and designing furniture as his ‘quick fix’ as the work does not require the months and years of intensity in architecture. But this does not diminish the quality or thought that he portrays in every design that he completes. The Gehry furniture collection by Heller proves this by the sleek, pandemic nature of the pieces. Simple in design yet complex in presence, the modular units can stand-alone or be used in dozens of different ways as groupings.

Travel doesnt have to be a deterrent in enjoying the beauty of this master of design. An arrangement of delightful cubes and chairs on a patio or living area, dotted with sparkling, sun drenched photographs of Gehry’s fine modern furniture designs will turn your home into the trip of a lifetime.