Tectonics in the architecture of Gehry and Moneo

The trajectory of architecture has changed over the centuries, constantly evolving according to the advancement of technology. Some of the architects who took great advantage of this were Frank Gehry and Rafael Moneo who, with their incredible works, once again changed the path of this sublime art. These two architects proposed innovative theories and made great contributions to the architectural tectonics of the 20th century and the present, breaking limits and opening new opportunities to new aspirants.

Gehry is known for his sculptural designs and his use of materials, a disciplinary trend unique to the architect and one that has shaped a new architectural language. The complexity of his projects can be well explained by the use of computations that are assisted by the internal logic of the thinker together with the complicity of the digital. The Weatherhead School of Management is one of the ten canonical buildings of the 20th century and clearly expresses the language created by Gehry. The tectonics of the design leans towards biomorphic architecture, with curved shapes and uneven extrusions very characteristic of an organism. Consequently, the subject-object and part-whole relationship is denied in the architect's designs, where his building (the subject) becomes an object, a sculpture that stands out in its space, becoming the whole even though it is a part of it. In other words, the project itself becomes an absolute entity with constant evolution. Giving life to the art that characterizes the Gehry style.

Moneo is an architect recognized for designing contextual, modern and timeless buildings. The Science Building at Columbia University in New York was designed by Rafael Moneo together with Belén Moneo and Jeffrey Brock. This is configured as a pedestrian precinct, where Moneo respects the decisions made in the surrounding buildings by completing the corner of the building's location. For this reason the project does not show an expressionist accent. The tectonics used in this building is a continuous and abstract mesh. The Science Building acts as a structural and interdisciplinary bridge. As is common in Moneo's works, this building is very compact, since users can move freely in closed spaces, without resorting to fragmentation. The structure of the building has a central lower truss that assumes the entire weight of the construction. This is reinforced with the roof of the building where the state of the charges is shown. In turn, the project has a hybrid structure, with two types of structural systems: an iron construction with a lattice beam and a 'lattice structural tube' where a façade made up of pillars and beams was designed to resist the loads of wind. Being a building dedicated to science, a system of closed facilities is promoted, devoid of windows and isolated, with the purpose of preventing contamination by odors, heat or leaks. This being a way in which Moneo supports the concepts and ideas to achieve an architectural work.

Gehry and Moneo are two of the architects of the 20th century who urged the exploration of new forms, materials, structures and architectural languages that have given way to today's great projects. Although both leave the same impact, their styles are very different. It is a perfect contrast that expands the creative and constructive opportunities of architecture. Harmony, rhythm and the whole-part relationship diverge between these two architects. Moneo identifying himself with a rigorous system and Gehry leaning towards the artistic branch of architecture. Two extremes that leave a sea of possibilities between them. In the same way that these two architects have a different personal brand, it is found that there are similarities in their work. Both place a lot of emphasis and appreciation on the art of the design process. Although the latter is expressed differently. Additionally, while Gehry is known for his sculptural designs, Moneo is not entirely closed to this idea. Some of his projects show abstraction, more artistic works and references to works of art. Frank Gehry and Rafael Moneo are two architects recognized for their impeccable architectural works that reflect contrasts and similarities that can be used in debates and as inspiration.