Task to be completed for week 10 studio : Case Study

Case study : Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry...

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Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a modern and contemporary art museum located in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. It is one of several museums of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. And it was the most often mentioned architect in 1998-1999. It was designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry with the structure of architectural firm. It is opened to the public in 1997, immediately vaulted to prominence as one of the world's most spectacular buildings in the style of Deconstructivism. For this great architecture, the composition continues a curvaceous, free-form sculptural style that has become a Gehry signature. The museum's design and construction serve as an object lesson in Frank Gehry's style and method. Like much of Gehry's other work, the structure consists of radically sculpted, organic contours; the Guggenheim Bilbao claims that it does not have a single flat surface in the entire structure. The galleries are organized on three levels around the central atrium, and are interconnected by curving walkways suspended from the roof, glass elevators and winding spiral stair cases. It is a spectacular vision, almost a city with in a city, and truly among the best art tourism Spain has to offer.

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The museum’s design and structure help to accentuate the style of Gehry, with structures which consists of excessively sculpted, organic contours. Visualisation, one of the main focus points of this architecture brings out the main intention of this building, to resemble a ship. As the building surrounded by water, it creates a connection of the building to the environment. By the structure and design of the building, it seems that this building is also can be called a piece of art work rather than just a museum. The building has defined the organic structure which has a great contrast in its own materials being used. Stainless steel and titanium are the main materials which are used. The materials had brought the great effect into the building. The materials successfully bring out the idea of organically form of the building as it goes along well in all the curve of the building. With a unique style and outstanding material this building then become one of the great pieces of architect in the world. Again it is successfully satisfied its purpose as a museum and in the same time being a great piece of art that represent organic contours of the building.

Reference:
Text
- "Guggenheim Museum" http://www.destination360.com/europe/spain/guggenheim-museum
- "Guggenheim Museum Bilbao" http://www.magicaljourneys.com/Spain/spain-interest-northern-basquecountry-bilbao-guggenheim.html
- William I.R Curtis, Modern Architecture Since 1900, (London: Phaidon Press Limited, 1996), 590.
- Ibid, 664.

Images
- Image 1: http://barcelona.theoffside.com/team-news/barcelona-atheltic-bilbao-preview-cooking-lions-with-chef-guardiola.html
- Image 2: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/bilbao/guggenheim_museum_bilbao_ebe310108_3.jpg
- Image 3 : http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/bilbao/guggenheim_museum_bilbao_ebe310108_1.jpg