Ep 585. Frank Gehry, Part 1

In Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 585, viewers are welcomed to the first part of a two-part interview with world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Host Tavis Smiley sits down with Gehry to discuss his life, his inspirations, and his notable architectural projects.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to Gehry and his work. Gehry is perhaps best known for his iconic creation of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, which put him on the map as a pioneering architect. From there, Tavis Smiley dives into a conversation with Gehry about his background and what led him to architecture.

Gehry begins by reminiscing about his childhood in Toronto, Canada. He shares that his father was a jewelry maker and exposed him to design at a young age. Gehry also notes that he struggled academically in school, but found comfort in art classes. At the age of 17, Gehry moved to California, where he attended Los Angeles City College before transferring to the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture.

The conversation then shifts to Gehry’s early career and notable projects that helped establish his name in the industry. Gehry shares anecdotes about working on projects like the Gehry Residence, a home that he designed and built for his own family, and the Santa Monica Place shopping center. Both projects challenged traditional design conventions and showcased Gehry’s unique style, which favors the use of unconventional materials and organic shapes.

Tavis Smiley also asks Gehry about his collaboration with artists and how it has influenced his work. Gehry talks about his work with artists like Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who he collaborated with on a number of large-scale sculptures and installations. Gehry describes how these collaborations have taught him the importance of being open to the ideas of others and how it has influenced his approach to architecture.

The episode concludes with a discussion about Gehry’s philosophy on architecture and his hope for the future. Gehry notes that his goal is to create meaningful spaces that improve people’s quality of life. He also shares that he hopes to inspire young architects to push boundaries and think outside of the box. In Part 2 of the interview, viewers can expect to hear more from Gehry about his notable projects, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

Overall, Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 585 provides an engaging and insightful look into Frank Gehry’s life and work. Through his conversation with Tavis Smiley, Gehry shares his inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the future of architecture. This episode is a must-watch for fans of Gehry’s work and anyone who is interested in the world of architecture.