Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, in conversation with architect Frank Gehry, who designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Gehry Partners. Victor Besa / The National
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, in conversation with architect Frank Gehry, who designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Gehry Partners. Victor Besa / The National
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, in conversation with architect Frank Gehry, who designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Gehry Partners. Victor Besa / The National
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, in conversation with architect Frank Gehry, who designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Gehry Partners. Victor Besa / The

Culture

Art & Design

Starchitect Frank Gehry on Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the emotion of architecture

The award-winning architect spoke to a packed auditorium at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

Maan Jalal
Maan Jalal

October 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Frank Gehry’s structures have transformed cities. His name is synonymous with great art and the power architecture has on our daily lives.

And at 93, he is a powerhouse of knowledge and influence, with no plans to stop working any time soon.

While in conversation with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, during the second day of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, Gehry discussed how he became an architect, the methodology that has fuelled his illustrious career and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

He told a packed auditorium that he started his artistic practice studying ceramics as a young man and “was terrible at it”. His teacher at the time took him to a house under construction in California, where an architect was instructing steel workers on what to do.

“I got all excited,” Gehry said. “And so I went back and took the class in architecture and I did really well. I didn't know what I was doing, but I did well.”

The starchitect has done more than just "well" over the course of his career.

From the first building he designed for a graphic designer in California — that he describes as a “plaster box, very simple” and which still stands today as an art gallery — to his deconstructivist structures, Gehry’s work not only inspires architects of his and future generations, but emotionally moves people.

From the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and The Dancing House in Prague, Gehry has been prolific in his creations. No matter where they are in the world or their function, his structures are designed with the culture and heritage of the land they are built on in mind, and yet hold in their visual vocabulary, which is Gehry’s unmistakable emotive and monumental style.

Scroll through the gallery below to see more of Frank Gehry's structures

The Dancing House, also called 'Fred and Ginger', by architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, in Prague, Czech Republic. All Photos: Alamy Stock Photo
The Dancing House, also called 'Fred and Ginger', by architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, in Prague, Czech Republic. All Photos: Alamy Stock Photo
Frank Gehry's Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Centre for Brain Health, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Frank Gehry's Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Centre for Brain Health, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by architects Frank Owen and Frank Gehry, in Elciego, Alava, Basque Country, Spain
Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by architects Frank Owen and Frank Gehry, in Elciego, Alava, Basque Country, Spain
Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum and cultural centre, designed by Frank Gehry, in Paris, France
Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum and cultural centre, designed by Frank Gehry, in Paris, France
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California
Sculpture Peix D'or, Hotel Arts Barcelona, Mapfre Tower, in Barcelona, Spain
Sculpture Peix D'or, Hotel Arts Barcelona, Mapfre Tower, in Barcelona, Spain

When considering the intention behind how, and more importantly why, he infuses emotions into his buildings, it is interesting to note one of his early inspirations was The Charioteer of Delphi, a life-sized bronze sculpture from ancient Greece.

When Gehry first observed the ancient work he was emotionally affected and cried, especially when he realised it was attributed to "artist unknown".

“In my office, I have a picture of The Charioteer behind my desk, because it reminds me of the importance of expressing feeling with materials,” he said.

“And if that guy could last hundreds of years and still make me cry…”

Abu Dhabi’s dream and Gehry’s vision will meld together with the creation of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, located on Saadiyat Island.

Architect Frank Gehry spoke to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak on the importance of being yourself when it comes to artistic practice. Photo: Victor Besa / The National
Architect Frank Gehry spoke to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak on the importance of being yourself when it comes to artistic practice. Photo: Victor Besa / The National

Gehry explained in the session that when he came to Abu Dhabi 20 years ago to start working on the project, it was challenging to think of a design when, at the time, the capital’s cityscape was completely different.

Yet through his observations of the people, elements and culture, he played around with ideas that struck a chord.

“I understood that the same form multiplied, was something that was part of the language of the architecture of the region,” Gehry said, referencing the echoing structures of minarets and domes in the building of mosques.

He firmly believes that “the most important thing is to be yourself” and “to remain curious” in order to find one’s own style as an architect or for any creative practitioner.

“Curiosity, I think is number one, right?” he asked. “I mean, you've heard that before. But I think that leads you to new ideas because new ideas grow out of the context of trying something new.”

Gehry also took a moment to praise the UAE not only for its curiosity and imagination, but also its vision.

He said vision is "the message of the miracle of your country".

“I've been watching it for 25 years now. Your people are looking forward.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see more from days one and two of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, takes part in the discussion on the third and final day of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, takes part in the discussion on the third and final day of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Manal Ataya, director general at Sharjah Museums Authority, also took part in the panel.
Manal Ataya, director general at Sharjah Museums Authority, also took part in the panel.
Maya Allison, executive director and chief curator at the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, joined the discussion.
Maya Allison, executive director and chief curator at the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, joined the discussion.
A panellist speaks during the event.
A panellist speaks during the event.
The New Canon was one of the panels held on day three of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
The New Canon was one of the panels held on day three of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
Famed pianist, composer and educator Danilo Perez waves to the crowd.
Famed pianist, composer and educator Danilo Perez waves to the crowd.
Former minister and now diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash. Victor Besa / The National
Former minister and now diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash. Victor Besa / The National
Visitors were treated to a traditional Al Ayala dance, where performers hold thin bamboo canes and move to steady drum rhythms.
Visitors were treated to a traditional Al Ayala dance, where performers hold thin bamboo canes and move to steady drum rhythms.
Al Ayala is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Al Ayala is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Chris Dercon in conversation with architect Sir David Adjaye.
Chris Dercon in conversation with architect Sir David Adjaye.
A session on Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity, moderated by Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner.
A session on Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity, moderated by Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner.
Kabir Khan, director of '83', in the conversation on Bollywood.
Kabir Khan, director of '83', in the conversation on Bollywood.
Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity - Aashish Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Lyca Productions.
Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity - Aashish Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Lyca Productions.
Andre Timmins, founder and director of Wizcraft and IIFA, as part of the discussion on Bollywood.
Andre Timmins, founder and director of Wizcraft and IIFA, as part of the discussion on Bollywood.
A member of the audience watching a panel called 'Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity'.
A member of the audience watching a panel called 'Taking Bollywood Global: Dynamics of Diversity'.
Day three of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi opened with a traditional performance from the mountain regions.
Day three of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi opened with a traditional performance from the mountain regions.
The event was a meeting of minds, with visitors from across various sectors sharing their thoughts on the post-Covid cultural world.
The event was a meeting of minds, with visitors from across various sectors sharing their thoughts on the post-Covid cultural world.
Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE ambassador to Vatican, speaks at the event.
Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE ambassador to Vatican, speaks at the event.
Grammy Award-winning producer Jimmy Jam discussed the regional music scene.
Grammy Award-winning producer Jimmy Jam discussed the regional music scene.
Mohamed Al Mubarak in conversation with Frank Gehry, Architect, Gehry Partners.
Mohamed Al Mubarak in conversation with Frank Gehry, Architect, Gehry Partners.
Robot artist Ai-Da, left, in conversation with The National's Hareth Al Bustani, far right, with her creator Aidan Meller, looking on.
Robot artist Ai-Da, left, in conversation with The National's Hareth Al Bustani, far right, with her creator Aidan Meller, looking on.
Performance by Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma.
Performance by Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma.
The audience listens to Mohamed Al Mubarak in conversation with Frank Gehry, Architect, Gehry Partners.
The audience listens to Mohamed Al Mubarak in conversation with Frank Gehry, Architect, Gehry Partners.
Harvey Mason Jr, chief executive of Recording Academy, lecturing on 'Music and Influence on Global Culture'.
Harvey Mason Jr, chief executive of Recording Academy, lecturing on 'Music and Influence on Global Culture'.
An attendee on day two of the Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi.
An attendee on day two of the Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi.
A discussion on 'Mentoring for Impact', with moderator Fiammetta Rocco, senior editor and culture editor of The Economist, and speakers Erica Love, director of Culture Central, Eric Wainaina, artist and founder of The Nairobi Musical Theatre Initiative, and Gael Hedding, director of Berklee Abu Dhabi.
A discussion on 'Mentoring for Impact', with moderator Fiammetta Rocco, senior editor and culture editor of The Economist, and speakers Erica Love, director of Culture Central, Eric Wainaina, artist and founder of The Nairobi Musical Theatre Initiative, and Gael Hedding, director of Berklee Abu Dhabi.
A peformance of 'The Roots' by French Algerian choreographer Kader Attou, a dance performance in which he returns to the origins of hip-hop with an acrobatic celebration of the genre. Eleven dancers perform different facets of the former underground culture and show how the body can bend to different beats: from breakdance to Smurf, electric boogie to popping.
A peformance of 'The Roots' by French Algerian choreographer Kader Attou, a dance performance in which he returns to the origins of hip-hop with an acrobatic celebration of the genre. Eleven dancers perform different facets of the former underground culture and show how the body can bend to different beats: from breakdance to Smurf, electric boogie to popping.
A discussion on 'AI and the Future of Culture', with moderator Priya Khanchandani, head of curatorial + interpretation at the Design Museum, and speakers Aidan Meller, director of Ai-Da Robot and Oxfordians, and Suhair Khan, founder and director of Open/Ended Design.
A discussion on 'AI and the Future of Culture', with moderator Priya Khanchandani, head of curatorial + interpretation at the Design Museum, and speakers Aidan Meller, director of Ai-Da Robot and Oxfordians, and Suhair Khan, founder and director of Open/Ended Design.
Artificial intelligence-powered robot artist Ai-Da at the Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi. Ai-Da's work reflects human aesthetic tastes and the conditions by which they are shaped.
Artificial intelligence-powered robot artist Ai-Da at the Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi. Ai-Da's work reflects human aesthetic tastes and the conditions by which they are shaped.
Ai-Da in conversation with Tim Marlow, chief executive and director of London's Design Museum, who analysed the creative philosophy of the world’s first humanoid artist.
Ai-Da in conversation with Tim Marlow, chief executive and director of London's Design Museum, who analysed the creative philosophy of the world’s first humanoid artist.
Mr Marlow introduces Ai-Da at the summit.
Mr Marlow introduces Ai-Da at the summit.
Eyal Weizman, director of research agency Forensic Architecture, speaks on the use of technology such as machine learning, as well as the importance of modelling and simulations.
Eyal Weizman, director of research agency Forensic Architecture, speaks on the use of technology such as machine learning, as well as the importance of modelling and simulations.
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi gives the keynote address.
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi gives the keynote address.
This year’s Culture Summit will be attended by 1,000 people while another 5,000 will take part online.
This year’s Culture Summit will be attended by 1,000 people while another 5,000 will take part online.
The summit seeks to identify ways in which culture can transform societies and communities around the globe.
The summit seeks to identify ways in which culture can transform societies and communities around the globe.
The conference brings together decision makers in culture, heritage, public policy and technology, as well as artists, thinkers and performers from around the world.
The conference brings together decision makers in culture, heritage, public policy and technology, as well as artists, thinkers and performers from around the world.
The summit is now in its fifth year.
The summit is now in its fifth year.
It is organised by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.
It is organised by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.
The theme of this year's event is 'A Living Culture'.
The theme of this year's event is 'A Living Culture'.
The summit has returned with a more extensive programme.
The summit has returned with a more extensive programme.
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura Al Kaabi at the summit.
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura Al Kaabi at the summit.
In-person attendance returned to the event after it moved online for two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In-person attendance returned to the event after it moved online for two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In only five years, the summit has grown from a noble idea into a staple of the international cultural calendar.
In only five years, the summit has grown from a noble idea into a staple of the international cultural calendar.
Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT — Abu Dhabi, arrives with Steve Harvey.
Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT — Abu Dhabi, arrives with Steve Harvey.
Zaki Nusseibeh, cultural adviser to the President, attends the event.
Zaki Nusseibeh, cultural adviser to the President, attends the event.
Mr Nusseibeh moderated a discussion on 'The role of culture in making resilient and shared societies', featuring former Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite, former Malawian president Joyce Banda and former Croatian president Ivo Josipovic.
Mr Nusseibeh moderated a discussion on 'The role of culture in making resilient and shared societies', featuring former Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite, former Malawian president Joyce Banda and former Croatian president Ivo Josipovic.
Mr Al Mubarak makes the welcome speech and opening remarks.
Mr Al Mubarak makes the welcome speech and opening remarks.
Ms Banda, former president of Malawi, takes part in the discussion moderated by Mr Nusseibeh.
Ms Banda, former president of Malawi, takes part in the discussion moderated by Mr Nusseibeh.
How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed

Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.

Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.

The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.

One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.

That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.

Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

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Overview

What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.

When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.

Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.

Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.

Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

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While you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Company%20Profile
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Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Apple product price list

iPad Pro

11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)

MacBook Air 

$1,199

Mac Mini

$799

While you're here
While you're here
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

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German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Anxiety and work stress major factors

Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.

A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.

Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.

One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.

It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."

Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.

“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi. 

“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."

Daniel Bardsley

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Updated: October 27, 2022, 7:48 AM
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