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American architect Frank Gehry designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened in 1997. This massive sculptural museum covered with shiny titanium caught the attention of the world instantly. It’s perceived as a masterpiece by the general public and attracted billions of tourists. Bilbao, which used to be noted for steel mills and shipyards in northern Spain, become a tourist magnet over the night. Bilbao attracts tourists from around the world, and 80 percent of them declared that they came explicitly for the Guggenheim. Dating back to 2004, more than 6 million visitors have visited. In 2001, the Financial Times estimated that 500 million euro of economic activity was generated in Bilbao by the museum during its first three years, in addition, 100 million euro in taxes. It’s called the Bilbao Effect. This effect not just change the economical situation in Bilbao, it also change the world’s perspective to architecture. Since then, every city wants to have its own iconic, stunning, avant-garde architecture. And they are usually skyscraper, library, exhibition space or museum. Another example is the Seattle's Central Library. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the library opened in May 2004. Immediately, tourist crushed to it. On opening day, 28,000 people were queuing outside the library. Since then, it's been averaging an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 guests per day. In the library's first year, 2.3 million individuals came to visit the library. It is definitely good news to the library and the architect, but also to the local business. Local newspapers reported that revenues rose 30 to 50 percent for the nearby business and for the first year, it generated $16million of economic activities for the surrounding area.
However, according to critic Robert Campbell, the age of iconic architecture may be ending. In his article, he thinks that the recession is a major factor for the end of the Bilbao decade. And much of the shift may be due to changing perceptions about what architecture is supposed to do for a place. He stated in his article: “The Bilbao Decade produced some wonderful buildings, but it was a time when the social purposes of architecture were sometimes lost. Architecture is supposed to be about making places for human habitation - rooms, streets, parks, cities - not merely skyline icons or beachfront palaces. In a time of limited resources, architects and their clients will focus again on solving the practical problems of making an environment, that is, in every sense of today's overused word, sustainable.”
It is true that due the current economic status, many of the iconic projects done by the famous architect are either on hold or even cancelled. "The downturn is spreading. It's getting worse. It hasn't hit bottom yet," says Kermit Baker, the American Institute of Architects' chief economist. In the near future, probably there will be less iconic architecture be completed. But I think the Bilbao decade is not ending. We have been under bad economic situation before. By studying the previous economic crisis (1980–82, 1989–93, and 2000–02), they all shared similar characteristics that there are reasons to believe that recession will not last forever. Once the economic situation gets better, companies will have the capital again and the projects will be funded. Besides financial factor, with the advanced technology and the aid of computer design, structural engineers could almost be able to figure out any crazy shape to stand up. There will only be fewer limitations on structure. Architects are allowed to be more creative in terms of building forms. Architects could study and research on new construction method much more easily with the aid of the internet. They could also use the new computer programs to investigate and invent new forms and shapes. Tools are getting stronger and designers are having more freedom. The architects will definitely generate more surprises to the public. With the aid of technology, architects could also address sustainability in more perspectives. It is getting popular to support the electrical usage of the building by solar, wind or other renewable energy. Precise calculation could be done to provide maximum natural ventilation and minimize solar heat gain in hot areas. Iconic designs can also be sustainable.
What do architecture is supposed to do for a place? Architect Thom Mayne said: “Architecture is a public act. It can only finally be about our social space: connections between people, a public space, the connective tissue.” Arhcitect Lebbeus Woods said: “It has to do with the relationships between people and how they decide to change their conditions of living. And architecture is a prime instrument of making that change – because it has to do with building the environment they live in, and the relationships that exist in that environment.” Both of them mentioned about connection, connecting people to the space and to the environment. Designing iconic architecture does not drive architects away from serving the purpose of connecting people and the environment. The Guggenheim Museum and the Seattle Public Library worked very well by bringing people together. Their social purpose is served by acting as a functional library and museum. In addition, their aesthetic qualities can also be appreciated by the public.
What I am looking forward to see is another “Bilbao Decade”. Not only museums or skyscrapers are made to be recognizable, but also residential buildings, schools and hospital. There are too many buildings that are built by contractors who relatively care less about design, and the purpose of architecture. With the help of the fast growing technology, there should be more thoughtful and iconic designs that could create more “Bilbao Effect”. The public could therefore enjoy quality spaces, aesthetics appearances, and be environmental friendly at the same time at more locations.
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