Father’s Day: Passion flows through generations of famous architects

After earning a PhD in Urban Planning in the United States and working on a range of international projects, Ngo Viet Nam Son has in recent years dedicated himself to studying and protecting Vietnam’s urban heritage. Since 2010, he has been called upon to advise local authorities in regions such as Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City. His expertise has shaped conservation policies in Hue and Hoi An. He remains an outspoken figure in the field, commenting on architecture, urban issues and sustainable development across the region.

Frank Lloyd Wright is regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern American architecture. His iconic works—Fallingwater, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the concept of organic architecture—have left an enduring impact. His son, John Lloyd Wright, also became an architect. Though his name is less widely known, John’s legacy includes the invention of Lincoln Logs, the beloved wooden toy that introduced generations to building principles. He also joined his father in the design of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel.

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César Pelli (1926–2019), the Argentine architect, left a lasting imprint on global skylines with works such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Salesforce Tower in San Francisco and the World Financial Center in New York. He established Pelli Clarke Pelli, a firm where his son Rafael Pelli would later become a key partner. Rafael carried the legacy forward, leading many large-scale developments while upholding the international outlook and signature design ethos his father had championed.

Rafael played a central role at Pelli Clarke Pelli during the 2010s. He helped deliver several landmark towers, including The Landmark in Abu Dhabi, Sevilla Tower in Spain, and most notably, Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, hailed in 2019 as the tallest building in the world.

Lewis Davis (1925–2006) co-founded Davis Brody Bond, a practice known for its Brutalist aesthetic and influence on the evolution of New York City’s post-war architecture. His son, Steven Davis, now serves as a leading partner in the firm and was the principal architect behind the 9/11 Memorial Center at Ground Zero. The project marks a generational transition, and a bold chapter in the studio’s architectural journey.

As lead architect of the 9/11 Memorial Center, Steven Davis also oversaw the “Memorial Glade” project, unveiled in May 2018. This installation includes six monumental stone blocks honouring first responders who died in the aftermath, and features artefacts recovered from the Twin Towers—adding a sacred dimension to the memorial site.

Ieoh Ming Pei (1917–2019), born in China and based in the United States, was among the most influential architects of the 20th century. He is most recognised for the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Miho Museum in Japan. His son, Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, co-founded Pei Partnership Architects, which upholds a refined modernist approach. The practice remains engaged in high-profile cultural, commercial and educational commissions, staying true to the vision of its founder.

Li Chung Pei is currently a partner at Pei Partnership Architects and continues to contribute to global architecture through major projects such as the Bank of China building in Suzhou, the Six Dynasties History Museum in Nanjing, and the Macau Science Center. His work reflects a growing international portfolio, focused on both cultural and commercial developments in China and the United States.

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Yoshiro Taniguchi (1904–1979) was one of Japan’s most prominent 20th-century architects, celebrated for his minimalist and contemplative approach to modern design. His works, including the Museum of Modern Art in Kamakura and numerous museum projects across the country, reflect a guiding philosophy that seeks harmony between tradition and contemporary form. His son, Yoshio Taniguchi, gained international recognition when selected to redesign the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. The project was lauded for its restrained architectural language, refined detailing and distinctive Japanese elegance.

Though he passed away in December 2024, Yoshio left a meaningful legacy in the region, particularly through the Asia-America Center in Houston, Texas, opened in the early 2000s, which brought a contemporary interpretation of Japanese identity to American soil.

Eliel Saarinen (1873–1950), born in Finland, made his name with striking Art Nouveau works such as Helsinki Central Station. After relocating to the United States, he continued his career at the Cranbrook Institute, where he mentored a generation of leading designers. His son, Eero Saarinen, inherited this artistic sensibility and developed a unique architectural voice. His iconic creations include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport, and a portfolio of futuristic, sculptural buildings. Both father and son played defining roles in the evolution of modern architecture in America.

Though Eero’s architectural legacy emerged in the mid-20th century, many of his works have since been restored, among them the Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial landscape in St. Louis. Another standout project is the Milwaukee War Memorial (1957), an architectural and civic landmark on the banks of Lake Michigan. Originally conceived by Eliel Saarinen, the design was later completed by his son following his death.

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