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OIza (1918-2000)
This entry represents a long overdue tribute.
The architecture of Fracisco Javier Saenz de Oiza was powerful, intelligent, nervous…a continuous whirlwind of ideas, emotion and passion effortlessly flowing form his privileged intellect. For those of us who were lucky enough to be in his presence at least once and learn from his words and teachings, Oiza will always be a reference of what an Architect should be.
His architecture has sometimes been misunderstood perhaps because it defies classification, it does not allow a quick analysis. Understanding Oiza’s architecture requires an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the subject matter and of all surrounding disciplines. In a single sentence Oiza would readily quote Gaston Bachelard, Colin Rowe or his admired Italo Calvino as he made his way through a lecture. They, and many others, were all present in his works.
A long time ago, while still in school, a kind professor once compared my architectural thought process to that of a young Oiza. That day I went home empowered. Empowered and anxious to work even harder, to learn even more. I can only hope that an infinitesimal part of his passion and commitment did indeed rub off on me as it did for so many generations of architects throughout his life.
Thank you, maestro.
Sample projects
Banco de Bilbao
Madrid, Spain 1971
Torres Blancas
Madrid, Spain 1969
Saturday | 5 April 2008 | Inspiration