ARCHITECTS / O
The architects featured in this section (A-Z) represent a diverse range of ideas, styles, and groundbreaking approaches that have shaped modern and contemporary architecture. From visionaries of the early 20th century to today’s influential designers, these books provide a deep dive into their creative processes, philosophies, and landmark projects. Whether redefining urban landscapes, experimenting with materials, or pushing the boundaries of form and function, these architects have left a lasting mark on the built environment. Explore their works and discover the foundations of architectural thought and practice that continue to inspire generations.
Gyo Obata (1923–2022) was a Japanese-American architect and co-founder of HOK (Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum), one of the world’s leading architectural firms. Known for his humanistic, functional designs, his notable works include the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and the Japanese American National Museum. Obata’s architecture emphasized simplicity, efficiency, and contextual sensitivity, often blending modernist principles with cultural influences. His legacy in large-scale urban planning, institutional architecture, and sustainable design continues to shape contemporary architecture worldwide.
Valerio Olgiati (born July 18, 1958, in Chur, Switzerland) is a Swiss architect known for his minimalist and non-referential approach to design. A graduate of ETH Zurich, he established his own practice in 1996 and has since completed notable projects such as the Yellow House in Flims, the School in Paspels, Atelier Bardill in Scharans, and Villa Além in Portugal. Olgiati emphasizes architecture as an autonomous discipline, focusing on form and spatial experience over symbolism. He has taught at institutions including Harvard University and the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio.
Frei Otto (1925–2015) was a German architect and engineer renowned for his pioneering work in lightweight, tensile structures. He revolutionized sustainable, biomimetic architecture, creating designs inspired by natural forms and minimal material use. His iconic projects include the Munich Olympic Stadium (1972), the Multihalle in Mannheim, and the German Pavilion at Expo 1967. Otto’s research on adaptive, flexible structures influenced contemporary parametric design and sustainable construction techniques. Awarded the Pritzker Prize (2015), he remains a leading figure in experimental, ecologically responsive architecture, shaping the future of lightweight, adaptable building systems.
Jacobus Johannes Pieter Oud (1890–1963) was a Dutch architect and a key member of the De Stijl movement, known for his rational, geometric designs. As Rotterdam’s chief city architect, he played a major role in social housing projects, designing modernist landmarks like the Hook of Holland housing complex and the Kiefhoek housing estate. His early works were highly abstract and minimalist, influenced by Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg, but later evolved to incorporate traditional materials and humanistic elements. Oud’s fusion of modernist aesthetics with practical urban solutions influenced European modernism and functionalist architecture.
Neri Oxman (born 1976) is an Israeli-American architect, designer, and researcher known for her innovative work in material ecology and bio-design. A former professor at the MIT Media Lab, she explores the intersection of architecture, biology, and computation, pioneering 3D-printed structures and biomimetic materials. Her groundbreaking projects include Silk Pavilion, Aguahoja, and Mushtari, which integrate living organisms with architectural forms. Oxman’s research challenges conventional construction, aiming for sustainable, nature-driven design solutions. Recognized as a leader in experimental architecture, she continues to shape the future of bio-integrated design and digital fabrication.
