February 24, 2004

A three-year-long collaboration between Alvaro Siza of Portugal and Santa Monica-based Frank Gehry has ended. The two architects were working together on a $100 million expansion of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. It marked their first collaboration, and Siza's only U.S. work. Ultimately, the long distance relationship proved too difficult, says Richard Koshalek, Art Center president. After completing an initial master plan for a new campus, the school had entered into negotiations with Siza for schematic designs when it severed ties. Currently housed in a black steel-and-glass building on 175 acres overlooking the Rose Bowl, the Art Center is undergoing a multi-year expansion that calls for a new 40,000-square-foot Gehry-designed octagonal library and a 55,968-square-foot technical-skills building by Siza, among other upgrades. A replacement architect for the single-level Siza building is expected soon.

Tony Illia

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