Architectural Cases

The "Century of Gehry" exhibition at the Serralves Foundation provides an extensive overview of Frank Gehry's architectural journey, showcasing his diverse creations and innovative design philosophy. Visitors can explore the evolution of his distinct style, characterized by sweeping geometries and deconstructivist elements, through a rich collection of models, furniture, and thematic installations. The exhibition also delves into Gehry's professional relationships and unbuilt projects, offering a deeper understanding of his creative process and his lasting influence on contemporary architecture.

This retrospective, organized into eight thematic spaces, guides attendees through key milestones in Gehry's career, from his early experimental works to his monumental structures. It emphasizes the architect's ability to transform ordinary materials and challenge conventional forms, ultimately shaping urban landscapes and inspiring future generations of designers. The curation thoughtfully illuminates the interplay between his artistic vision and the practical aspects of architectural realization, providing a holistic perspective on his profound legacy.

Frank Gehry's Retrospective at Serralves Foundation

The Serralves Foundation in Porto, Portugal, hosts "The Century of Gehry," a significant retrospective celebrating the pioneering career of Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. This exhibition gathers a diverse collection of his lifetime's work, including intricate architectural models, innovative cardboard furniture, and distinctive carpets. Through these displays, the foundation offers an immersive journey into the mind of a designer who profoundly influenced the architectural landscape at the turn of the 20th century. The presentation is meticulously curated to highlight the evolution of Gehry's unique style, which is often characterized by its dynamic, deconstructivist forms and a bold use of materials, providing a comprehensive understanding of his artistic and structural contributions.

Curated by António Choupina, the exhibition at the Serralves Foundation is designed to be experienced from multiple entry points, each offering a distinct perspective on Gehry's work. One pathway guides visitors through a chronological narrative, beginning with early projects and personal insights, such as an interview playing over images of his office and an abstract drawing that symbolizes his creative thought process. Another entrance, accessed from what would typically be the exit, offers a bird's-eye view of his bustling Los Angeles studio, revealing models in various stages of development and his team at work. A third option leads directly to a sprawling model of the unbuilt Lewis Residence, illustrating how even unrealized projects served as crucial testing grounds for his later, more celebrated designs. This multifaceted approach encourages visitors to engage with Gehry's ideas from different angles, fostering a deeper appreciation for his innovative spirit and the foundational concepts behind his iconic structures.

The Evolution of a Visionary Architect and His Portuguese Connections

The exhibition meticulously documents nineteen significant projects from Gehry's career, showcasing his development from experimental concepts to monumental architectural achievements. Collaborating with Gehry Partners, LLP and the Getty, the display includes detailed scale models, such as that of the Vitra Design Museum, which reveal the nascent stages of his signature sweeping geometries. These models provide an intimate view into his design process, allowing observers to trace the transformation of his abstract ideas into tangible structures with intersecting walls, distinctive window placements, and characteristic bulges. Early works like the Easy Edges cardboard furniture collection are featured alongside a model of his Santa Monica residence, illustrating how his personal environment became a laboratory for deconstructivist principles, with glass elements seamlessly integrated into the existing domestic space.

Beyond his individual achievements, "The Century of Gehry" also highlights the architect's notable connections to Portugal, reflecting the geographic context of the Serralves Foundation. A prominent display features a large model and drawings for the ArtCenter College of Design, a project on which Gehry collaborated with fellow Pritzker Prize laureate Álvaro Siza. Curator António Choupina emphasizes the continuous dialogue between the two architects, evident in both their conversations and their architectural forms, even in the context of this unfinished Pasadena project. The exhibition further explores Gehry's unexecuted intervention for Parque Mayer in Lisbon and showcases the "Doodle" Rug, a piece produced by the Portuguese company Ferreira de Sá, underscoring his creative engagement with the country's design and architectural landscape. These elements collectively illustrate Gehry's global influence and his thoughtful interactions with local contexts and esteemed colleagues.

In a remarkable fusion of art, history, and sustainable design, the visionary studio Lazerian has unveiled a captivating installation at Manchester Airport's redeveloped Terminal 2. This piece breathes new life into the airport's past, weaving a narrative that connects historical elegance with contemporary environmental awareness and regional identity.

Lazerian's "Atmospheric Reflections of the North" Illuminates Manchester Airport

In a brilliant stroke of creative repurposing, Liam Hopkins, the esteemed artist and designer behind Lazerian, has reimagined the discarded Venetian glass chandeliers that once graced Manchester Airport's Terminal 1. Removed in 2003, these historical fragments have been reborn as "Atmospheric Reflections of the North," a permanent suspended installation in the newly modernized Terminal 2. The project was a deeply collaborative endeavor, involving Manchester Airport, the Manchester School of Architecture, and local communities through a series of workshops, public forums, and engagement sessions. These interactions explored profound themes such as the region's distinctive weather patterns, picturesque landscapes, robust industrial legacy, and vibrant local identity. Instead of merely replicating the original chandeliers, Hopkins’ design ingeniously integrates their material essence into an entirely novel and contextually rich spatial arrangement. The installation features over 500 individual, parachute-inspired components, gracefully hovering above the passenger walkway between security and the departure gates. These forms subtly acknowledge the airport's storied past as a training ground for the Parachute Regiment during wartime, while also evoking the characteristic cloudscapes and rainfall of northern England. Each suspended element thoughtfully incorporates reclaimed Murano glass droplets from the former chandeliers, thus embedding a tangible piece of history within the new artistic creation. Fabricated with meticulous care, the canopies are suspended by delicate cable systems, creating an ethereal and continuous field of light and structure that subtly transforms as travelers move through the terminal. The artwork’s aesthetic is further enhanced by a sophisticated gradient of tones, transitioning from cool grays and blues to warm hues, mirroring the shifting atmospheric conditions and variations in natural light. Small aluminum tags affixed to the elements serve as a tribute to Manchester's rich industrial heritage and acknowledge the diverse contributions of all who participated in the Terminal 2 redevelopment. The installation process itself was a feat of precision and coordination, executed during overnight hours within the airport's operational environment, necessitating a carefully phased and sequenced approach. "Atmospheric Reflections of the North" thus seamlessly intertwines aviation history, principles of material reuse, and regional cultural references into an overarching suspended spatial system, enhancing the experience within one of the United Kingdom’s busiest transport hubs.

This installation beautifully demonstrates how art can transcend mere decoration to become a profound statement on history, identity, and sustainability. By transforming discarded artifacts into a contemporary marvel, Lazerian has not only enriched the passenger experience at Manchester Airport but also set a powerful precedent for future public art projects. It reminds us that every object carries a story, and with a creative vision, these stories can continue to evolve and inspire in unexpected ways. The project highlights the potential for collaboration between artists, institutions, and communities to create meaningful and impactful public spaces that reflect local heritage while embracing innovation. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, to see value in the old, and to envision new possibilities for integrating art into our daily environments.