Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture | Official Trailer | MasterClass

Summary

In this MasterClass, renowned architect Frank Gehry shares his creative philosophy and approach to design. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and taking risks for the sake of humanity. Gehry discusses beginning with simple models, the challenges of working within constraints like gravity, and finding freedom within them. He also talks about his fascination with movement and the significance of expressing human emotions through his art. Gehry encourages aspiring designers to find their voice, create their logic, and push boundaries in their projects.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Creativity is sparked by curiosity and not knowing what you're going to do in advance.
• 🏗️ Start with simple models when building, to see where the ideas develop.
• 🏙️ Many cities are built with economic efficiency in mind, often lacking a human touch.
• 🎨 As an artist, constraints like gravity exist, but they provide a framework for creativity with a 15% freedom to create art.
• 💃 The focus is on expressing movement in design.
• ❤️ Fascination with the fold as a fundamental element of human emotions like love and warmth.
• 😨 Ideas can be scary to present to clients, as they may reject them.
• 🔊 The importance of finding and expressing one's own voice in the creative process.
• 🧠 Creating and following one's own logic throughout the project.
• 📚 Sharing personal experiences and reasons behind the creative choices made.
• 🚀 Encouraging others to take risks in their projects for the sake of humanity.

Q & A

What does Frank Gehry believe is a prerequisite for creativity?

Frank Gehry believes that curiosity is a prerequisite for creativity. He suggests that if you already know what you're going to do in advance, you won't do it.

How does Frank Gehry approach the initial stages of building design?

Gehry recommends starting with a simple block model when designing any building. This approach allows him to see where the design will go before moving forward.

What is Gehry's criticism of most cities' architectural style?

Gehry criticizes most cities for being built with faceless glass structures, which he believes cater to economies rather than to human needs and experiences.

What constraints does Frank Gehry mention as an artist?

As an artist, Frank Gehry mentions gravity as one of the constraints he has to work within, alongside other unspecified constraints.

How much freedom does Gehry believe he has within his constraints to create art?

Within his constraints, Frank Gehry believes he has 15% of freedom to make his art, indicating a significant yet limited creative space within which he operates.

What is Frank Gehry's focus when trying to express his art?

Frank Gehry focuses on expressing movement in his art, which is a key element in his architectural designs.

What concept fascinates Frank Gehry in terms of basic human emotions?

Gehry is fascinated with the concept of 'the fold,' which he associates with our first feelings of love and warmth.

How does Gehry describe the process of sharing his ideas with clients?

Gehry describes sharing his ideas with clients as scary, acknowledging that they can and will reject his proposals. However, he emphasizes the importance of finding one's own voice and creating logic for the ideas as they develop.

What does Frank Gehry advise others to do with every project or design they undertake?

Gehry advises others to take the risk of doing something for humanity with every project or design they undertake, encouraging a focus on the greater good.

What is the title of the series Frank Gehry is teaching?

Frank Gehry is teaching a series called 'MasterClass,' where he shares his insights and experiences in architecture.

How does Frank Gehry feel about his own career longevity?

Gehry humorously suggests that despite his long and successful career, he might not know when to quit, implying a continued passion and dedication to his work.