Hiba Al-Sharif_Simplicity vs Complexity Paper

Project: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Architect: Frank Gehr
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Commissioner: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Area: 24,000 m²
Year of Completion: 1997
One of the pioneers of architecture today is Frank Owen Gehry. Most of his
work resemble complexity in form and material. Both complexity and fractal
geometry are considered in most of his works. One of his masterpieces is
the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This building is considered complex due to
both its form and the materials used in its design. The mathematical complexity
in Gehry’s design required advanced technologies and software to translate
his concept to the final structure (Helie 5). Besides, his choice of titanium
sheets for the building cladding adds to the building complexity although the
overall organic effect of all materials harmonize perfectly in a simplistic manner.
Top -Fran Owen Gehry
22 Bottom -Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
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