THE FOLLOWING ARE THE INDIVIDUALS GENERALLY CONSIDERED THE BEST MODERN

ARCHITECTS IN HISTORY

Architects have been creating astounding works of art from building designs for thousands of years
ever since the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Lighthouse of Alexandria and more modern structure
such as the Eiffel Tower.
However, the modern age of architects generally begins in the 20th century with contributions by some
remarkable talents. The following are the individuals generally considered the best modern architects in
history. 

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Not only the most recognizable name, but one that is arguably the best in the modern history of
architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright was also one of the oldest architects whose work was mostly in the
20th century. Born in 1867, the influence of Wright’s work was far more organic in nature and created a
number of prairie-style buildings in the process. His attention to detail and humble outlook combined to
create arguably the best body of work in the modern era.
His most notable works include The Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Gammage Auditorium &
Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Falling water Residence in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.

FRANK GEHRY
If there is a rival to Wright, it is Gehry who has created some of the most distinctive and
imaginative buildings of the 20th century. Born in 1929, Gehry’s creations are a marvel of engineering
complete with his unique view of special relations and manipulating surfaces that resulted in some of
the most recognizable and stunning buildings ever constructed. For many, his most notable work
inspires wonder and imagination and even mystery as to how such a creation could possibly exist.
His most notable works include The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Marques de Riscal Vineyard Hotel
in Elciego and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

I. M. PEI
Certainly not far down from Wright and Gehry is another of the most recognizable names in
modern architecture, I.M. Pei. Ieoh Ming Pei was born in 1917 and came from China to study
architecture in the US. The Chinese influence in his work is certainly there along with his use of
geometric forms as well. Over the years, Pei has designed a number of remarkable works that have
showered him with much deserved acclaim.
His works include the National Center for Atmosphere Research in Colorado, the John F. Kennedy
Presidential Library and Museum in Boston and the Le Grand Louvre in Paris, France.

PHILIP JOHNSON
Not only heralded for his creative mind, but also in founding the Department of Architecture and Design
at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, Philip Johnson has created some of the most memorable works
in the modern era, including the famous “Glass House” in Connecticut which offers proper space,
minimal interiors and large vistas present from many points of view. His use of glass and steel are
unparalleled in the world of architecture as seen is his most crowning achievement, the Crystal
Cathedral in California.
His works also include the Seagram Building in NYC and The Museum of Television and Radio.

 ZAHA HADID
The most famous female architect is certainly more than worthy to be on the list with the best.
Zaha is the first woman to ever win the Pritzker Architecture prize. Her work is futuristic, daring and
unconventional to say the least, but the buildings she creates are certainly beautiful and very stylish.
This is especially true for the mobile museum she designed for Chanel with Karl Lagerfield.
Her works also include the MAXXI – National Museum of the 21st Century Arts the Bridge Pavilion in
Zaragoza and the Phaeno Science Center and Opera House in Guangzhou.

LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE

Known as “Mies”, this German-American architect is certainly one of the pioneers of the modern
style. Known for his minimalist approach and use of structural steel and plate glass, Mies was well
noted for his use of interior spaces and remarkable floor plans which still influence architects to this
day.
His works include the Barcelona Pavilion, Crown Hall in Chicago and creating the Barcelona chair
which is a remarkable work of furniture design.

RENZO PIANO
Named as one of the 100 most influential people of 2008, Renzo Piano is an Italian-born architect
who has helped change the skylines in many different cities. The Shard for example is Europe’s tallest
skyscraper whose modern appearance has certainly provided London with an upgrade for its quaint
appearance.
His other works include The New York Times Building in NYC and Kansai International Airport in
Osaka, Japan.
TOM WRIGHT
The youngest on the list as he was born in 1957, Tom Wright has only designed one notable
building so far, however that one building is what puts him on the list of the best modern architects. The
Burj Al Arab in Dubai is arguably the most beautiful hotel in the world. A remarkable vision that
represents a giant sail in the wind set along the Dubai shoreline and complete with a helicopter pad and
rooftop tennis court, Tom Wright has created an unforgettable work of art.

MOSHE SAFDIE
Fresh from the Louis Kahn’s apprenticeship that helped garner him his architecture career, Moshe
is famous for his 1967 International & Universal Exposition or Expo ’67 which helped him achieve a
remarkable amount of fame. Originally from Haifa, Isreal and born in 1938,
Moshe has also created the National Gallery of Canada and the Khalsa Heritage Memorial in Punjab,
India.

JEAN NOUVEL
This French architect has won a number of awards over the years, including the famed Prtizker
Prize. His fame stems in large part from winning the Arab World Institute in Paris design competition.
His use of mechanical lenses is reminders of Arab latticework which controls the amount of light let into
the structure. His innovative style and use of cross-cultural techniques have made him one of the
greats in modern architecture.
His other works include the Denstu Building in Tokyo and Les Grandes Tables of Seguin Island in
Paris.
These are arguably the top 10 modern architects who lead the way in innovative design and
breathtaking results from their work.