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Santiago Calatrava

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Architect

The Resume

    (July 28, 1951- )
    Born in Valencia, Spain
    Graduated from Polytechnic University of Valencia (1974)
    Received Ph.D. degrees in structural engineering (1979) and technical science (1981), respectively; the latter on his thesis titled 'On the Foldability of Frames' at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
    Sculptures include 'Standing Torso' (1985), 'Running Torso' (1985), 'Climbing Torso' (1990), 'Mother and Child' (1990), 'Eye' (1994), 'Musical Star 1' (1999), 'Beak' (2000), 'Turning Torso' (2002), 'Cyclades' (2005), and 'Pure Geometry' (2013)
    Designed structures include Lusitania Bridge (1991), Alamillo Bridge (1992), BCE Place Gallery and Heritage Square (1992), Lyon Airport Railway Station (1994), Campo Volantin Footbridge (1997), an addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum (2001), Woman’s Bridge (2001), Tenerife Opera House (2003), and Turning Torso (2005)
    Awards include Auguste Perret Prize (1987), Gold Medal of the Institution of Structural Engineers (1992), Prince of Asturias Award (1999), AIA Gold Medal (2005), and European Prize for Architecture (2015)

Why he might be annoying:

    Many of his projects have struggled with exorbitant costs, delays, and functional problems.
    His projects have also been criticized for excessive innovation at the cost of practicality, leading to constant repairs.
    He has been criticized for his arrogance and indifference to his clients's needs.
    In response to criticism over high budget costs for a project, he had a critic sued for defamation. (2013)
    The Chicago Spire, which he designed alongside Perkins and Will, was never completed.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He has been praised for his ability to sculpture and advanced engineering solutions together to create innovative-looking buildings that resemble sculptures.
    He cites Antonio Gaudi and Eero Saarinen as his top inspirations.
    His studies at the Ecole des Beaux Arts was disrupted by student and worker riots throughout Paris.
    His design for the addition to the Miwaukee Art Museum caused attendance at the museum to soar.
    The Turning Torso won first place for the Emporis Skyscraper Award. (2005)

Credit: Big Lenny


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2021, Out of 11 Votes: 90.91% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying