Material Experiments in Gehry’s Work: From Cardboard to Titanium

A primer on materials in Gehry’s practice—paper, timber, steel, titanium, and light as active matter.

1/3/2026

13 min read

Steel Roof Detail

Overview

From cardboard to titanium—material curiosity drives Gehry’s language and advances architectural technique.

Materials Table

Material	Use	Notes
Paper	Fast models	Gesture + iteration
Timber	Arches	Warmth + span
Steel	Ribs/joints	Precision + strength
Titanium	Skins	Weather + color shifts

Light as Material

Daylight and artificial light animate surfaces.
Color livery programs write temporary architecture.

Craft & Performance

Detailing turns materials into narrative.
Environmental performance guides envelope choice.

Om forfatteren

Practice Notes

Jeg skrev denne guide for at gøre dit besøg på Fondation Louis Vuitton roligt, nysgerrigt og velafstemt — uden at misse det, der gør Gehrys bygning særlig.