The Bilbao Effect
Patrick van der Doef
The Bilbao effect refers to the economic and cultural revival of a city through the construction of a single, iconic building. Most famously the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao designed by Frank Gehry. The museum’s unique architecture transformed the post-industrial city, significantly boosting tourism. The phenomenon has since inspired other cities to pursue a similar strategy: the “Bilbao effect” emerged.
Amsterdam-based graphic designer and art director visited over forty cities in seventeen different countries to take pictures of 52 iconic buildings.
I have to admit that I’ve visited almost all the cities and seen all the buildings listed in the Europa section of this book. Proof the Bilbao effect exists and, in my case, works. Even my hometown in the Netherlands, Tilburg, has plans for an iconic building called “De Groene Kathedraal” (the Green Cathedral). It is designed by Dutch architect Winy Maas, also included with a project in this book. De Groene Kathedraal should become a temporary green city icon. The aim is to attract more visitors to Tilburg.
Most of the architects in this book are so-called starchitects. In most cases their designs were used to show off their technical skills. We see buildings with eccentric shapes and a sculptural appearance. Unexpected materials are often used. This book provides a nice insight into the world of modern architecture.
The Bilbao Effect
Photographer: Patrick van der Doef
Publisher: Moderne Architectuur
Published in 2025
Hardcover, 25,4 x 30,2 cm, 288pages, 250 images