The talent and legacy of HOK Founding Partner Gyo Obata (the 'O' in global architectural firm HOK) is showcased in a newly released book: Gyo Obata: Architect | Clients | Reflections. Published by The Images Publishing Group, the 240-page book features 30 building projects spanning five decades – and stretching from St. Louis to Saudi Arabia.
The book takes a unique approach by featuring not only Obata's recollections of each project, but also the first-hand perspectives and experiences of the clients he worked with during the design process. Also featured are photos, plans and drawings of the 30 building projects, which include universities, museums, airports, hospitals, courthouses, retail centers, museums, churches and offices.
Among the featured client voices are:
The book takes a unique approach by featuring not only Obata's recollections of each project, but also the first-hand perspectives and experiences of the clients he worked with during the design process. Also featured are photos, plans and drawings of the 30 building projects, which include universities, museums, airports, hospitals, courthouses, retail centers, museums, churches and offices.
Among the featured client voices are:
- Father Jerome Luke Rigby, a Prior at the Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Louis, who worked closely with Gyo on the design of the Saint Louis Priory (completed in 1962) – a project that brought the first international recognition both to Gyo and to HOK.
- Gerald Hines, founder and chairman of the international real estate firm that bears his name (and Gyo’s client on several projects, including The Galleria in Houston, completed in 1970 as one of the first mixed-use retail projects).
- Apollo 11 Astronaut Mike Collins, a former Director the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. (which opened in 1976 and ranks as the world’s most-visited museum).
- Gerson Bakar, a San Francisco developer who oversaw the development of Levi’s Plaza, dubbed a “gift to the city” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Architecture Critic Allan Temko after it opened in 1982.
- The Honorable Edward Filippine, former Chief Judge at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, which debuted in 2000 and is the largest federal courthouse in the U.S.
- William Wrigley Jr., former CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Gyo collaborated closely with Mr. Wrigley on the planning and design of the Wrigley Global Innovation Center, which opened in Chicago in 2005.
"Gyo has brought a remarkable client-centered approach to the practice of modern architecture, and this book provides wonderful insights into his highly collaborative relationships with clients," says HOK Vice Chairman Clark Davis, FAIA. "Because of Gyo's influence, active listening continues to be a signature element of HOK's design process, demonstrating what we can achieve when a client's aspirations become our own."
The new book also features insights into Obata’s childhood and early career, including his relocation from San Francisco to St. Louis to escape the internment camp that his family endured during World War II.
Client interviews for Gyo Obata: Architect | Clients | Reflections were conducted by Marlene Ann Birkman, professor of education at Webster University in St. Louis. The book was designed by Kiku Obata & Company, a design firm founded by Gyo's daughter in 1977.
Obata is scheduled to participate in upcoming book signings in St. Louis (September 15 at Left Bank Books), New York (September 16 at Rizzoli Bookstore) and San Francisco (date and location TBD).
About Gyo Obata:
As the design pioneer who shaped one of the world’s most respected and diversified architectural practices, Obata has more than 60 years of experience in the creation and planning of buildings of all types. His design philosophy is to provide spaces that are not only functional, but enhance the quality of life for those who visit and inhabit them. Consistently following a philosophy of “designing from the inside out,” Obata believes that the final evaluation of any building must be in terms of human values. His designs have been honored by the American Institute of Architects, the General Service Administration, the Institute of Business Designers and the Federal Design Council.
About HOK:
HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 23 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, sustainability consulting, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.
* To request high-resolution images, please contact mike.plotnick@hok.com