The average starting architect will make any where from 30,000-50,000 dollars a year depending on location and the firm. A Starchitect like Frank Ghery averages over 100k per year. Salary is just one element that separates a Starchitect from an architect, the power and recognition is the true honor bestowed upon these select few individuals. Why do we as a society idolize certain architects over others?
The first step in identifying the “phenomenon of Starchitecture” is to speculate at the type of culture we live in. In England they have a constitutional monarchy, which consists of a royal family with no actual power. The roll of the royal family is to continue national traditions and essentially exist as celebrities for England. In the United States society is searching for celebrities to idolize and ultimately scrutinize. We do not have royalty so society looks to actors, musicians, artist, and now architects to be dignitaries. One may ask, “Why have architects joined the ring of important figures?”
To be blunt buildings are a big deal. The construction of large projects cost millions of dollars and requires an immense amount of labor. In addition to costing an abundance, architecture can produce proficient amounts of income for a city. When a building becomes a travel destination, the tourism it brings in will boost the economy of the city. Architecture can be an icon for a city, creating a status symbol for other cities to compete with. Instantly a city that is unheard of becomes important because of the architecture it contains. Starchitects have the power to reflect culture through their built forms. These factors are what turn architects into superstars.
Often Starchitects gain their fame by attempting something different. Avant-garde architects are constantly striving to be innovative and create new techniques that set them apart from the rest. Just as Elvis Presley changed Rock’N’Roll for music, Frank Ghery is changing how the people views architecture. The public eye always turns toward what is new and unconventional (even if it is non-contextual and looks like a blob). Currently the trend in Starchitecture is leaning towards computer-aided design, previously unimaginable without NURBS software. By utilizing this new software architects are able to design freeform shapes, which can be mathematically calculated. Although NURBS software is new and exciting, it is subsequently just a link in a chain of new technology to come. As the technology changes so will the star architects. As one architect’s stardom comes to an end there will always be someone new to take their place in the spot light.
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