The Top 10 Greatest Architects Of The Modern Age - Printable Version

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The Top 10 Greatest Architects Of The Modern Age - fdaforum - 07-28-2014

1) Frank Lloyd Wright

Not only the most recognizable name, but one that is arguably the best in the modern history of architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright was also one of the oldest architects whose work was mostly in the 20th century. Born in 1867, the influence of Wright’s work was far more organic in nature and created a number of prairie-style buildings in the process. His attention to detail and humble outlook combined to create arguably the best body of work in the modern era.

His most notable works include The Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Gammage Auditorium & Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Fallingwater Residence in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.


2) Frank Gehry


If there is a rival to Wright, it is Gehry who has created some of the most distinctive and imaginative buildings of the 20th century. Born in 1929, Gehry’s creations are a marvel of engineering complete with his unique view of special relations and manipulating surfaces that resulted in some of the most recognizable and stunning buildings ever constructed. For many, his most notable work inspires wonder and imagination and even mystery as to how such a creation could possibly exist.

His most notable works include The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Marques de Riscal Vineyard Hotel in Elciego and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.


3) I. M. Pei

Certainly not far down from Wright and Gehry is another of the most recognizable names in modern architecture, I.M. Pei. Ieoh Ming Pei was born in 1917 and came from China to study architecture in the US. The Chinese influence in his work is certainly there along with his use of geometric forms as well. Over the years, Pei has designed a number of remarkable works that have showered him with much deserved acclaim.

His works include the National Center for Atmosphere Research in Colorado, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston and the Le Grand Louvre in Paris, France.


4) Philip Johnson

Not only heralded for his creative mind, but also in founding the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, Philip Johnson has created some of the most memorable works in the modern era, including the famous “Glass House” in Connecticut which offers proper space, minimal interiors and large vistas present from many points of view. His use of glass and steel are unparalleled in the world of architecture as seen is his most crowning achievement, the Crystal Cathedral in California.

His works also include the Seagram Building in NYC and The Museum of Television and Radio.

5) Zaha Hadid

The most famous female architect is certainly more than worthy to be on the list with the best. Zaha is the first woman to ever win the Pritzker Architecture prize. Her work is futuristic, daring and unconventional to say the least, but the buildings she creates are certainly beautiful and very stylish. This is especially true for the mobile museum she designed for Chanel with Karl Lagerfield.

Her works also include the MAXXI – National Museum of the 21st Century Arts the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza and the Phaeno Science Center and Opera House in Guangzhou.


6) Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Known as “Mies”, this German-American architect is certainly one of the pioneers of the modern style. Known for his minimalist approach and use of structural steel and plate glass, Mies was well noted for his use of interior spaces and remarkable floor plans which still influence architects to this day.

His works include the Barcelona Pavilion, Crown Hall in Chicago and creating the Barcelona chair which is a remarkable work of furniture design.


7) Renzo Piano

Named as one of the 100 most influential people of 2008, Renzo Piano is an Italian-born architect who has helped change the skylines in many different cities. The Shard for example is Europe’s tallest skyscraper whose modern appearance has certainly provided London with an upgrade for its quaint appearance.

His other works include The New York Times Building in NYC and Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan.

8) Tom Wright

The youngest on the list as he was born in 1957, Tom Wright has only designed one notable building so far, however that one building is what puts him on the list of the best modern architects. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is arguably the most beautiful hotel in the world. A remarkable vision that represents a giant sail in the wind set along the Dubai shoreline and complete with a helicopter pad and rooftop tennis court, Tom Wright has created an unforgettable work of art.


9) Moshe Safdie

Fresh from the Louis Kahn’s apprenticeship that helped garner him his architecture career, Moshe is famous for his 1967 International & Universal Exposition or Expo ’67 which helped him achieve a remarkable amount of fame. Originally from Haifa, Isreal and born in 1938,

Moshe has also created the National Gallery of Canada and the Khalsa Heritage Memorial in Punjab, India.


10) Jean Nouvel

This French architect has won a number of awards over the years, including the famed Prtizker Prize. His fame stems in large part from winning the Arab World Institute in Paris design competition. His use of mechanical lenses is reminders of Arab latticework which controls the amount of light let into the structure. His innovative style and use of cross-cultural techniques have made him one of the greats in modern architecture.

His other works include the Denstu Building in Tokyo and Les Grandes Tables of Seguin Island in Paris.

These are arguably the top 10 modern architects who lead the way in innovative design and breathtaking results from their work.

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