Santiago Calatrava

Spanish architect (b. 1951), known for organic, sculptural designs and engineering.

Biography

Born in Valencia, Calatrava studied at Polytechnic University of Valencia and ETH Zurich. He founded his firm in 1981.

Architectural Philosophy

Calatrava’s philosophy blends organic architecture and structural expressionism, inspired by nature and engineering.

Core Contributions

• Specialized in organic architecture and infrastructure architecture.
• Notable works:
  • Turning Torso (Malmö, 2005, residential).
  • City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia, 2000, cultural).
  • Milwaukee Art Museum (2001, cultural).

Architectural Connections

• Western European: Spanish modernist tradition.
• Cultural: Museums.
• Infrastructure: Bridges.

Influence and Legacy

Calatrava’s sculptural designs influenced global architecture, impacting architects like Zaha Hadid. His works are engineering landmarks.

Related Architects & Works

Zaha Hadid (related architect), Enric Miralles (related architect), Curved Structure (element), Contemporary (period)