University To Demolish Frank Gehry Building

University of California, Irvine administrators cite structural deterioration in their decision to demolish a building designed by famed architect Frank Gehry.

1 minute read

September 28, 2005, 12:00 PM PDT

By C. Scott Smith

"This decision has troubled some fans of Gehry, who is best known for designing the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Spain. They say that since Gehry is such a notable architect, to destroy an early example of his work will hurt UCIâ€™s reputation as an academic institution.

However, Richard Demerjian, UCI director of campus planning, said that the Gehry building is no longer suitable for use.

'The buildings were constructed of wood frame and stucco that are not considered a permanent building type in an institutional setting such as the UCI Academic Core,' Demerjian said.

The Gehry building suffers from problems including leaking roofs, failing ventilation and dry rot, according to Demerjian.

The buildings, constructed in 1986, were relatively inexpensive at just under $2 million. The cheapness of their construction is one of the factors that has led to the deterioration of the buildings."

FULL STORY: Planned Demolition of Gehry Building Sparks Controversy

Wednesday, September 28, 2005 in New University Paper

Architecture California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.