LOS ANGELES — Frank Gehry, a pioneering architect known for his imaginative and unconventional designs, has died at the age of 96. He passed away on Friday at his home in Santa Monica, California, following a brief respiratory illness, according to Meaghan Lloyd, chief of staff at Gehry Partners LLP.

Gehry was celebrated for creating some of the most iconic buildings in contemporary architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of architecture. Gehry's designs were often described as "refreshingly original and totally American."

Throughout his career, Gehry received many honors, such as the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal and the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award. He was also named a Companion of the Order of Canada, his home country's highest honor.

Gehry's fascination with modern pop art significantly influenced his architectural style, leading to structures that defied traditional forms. His buildings often featured swooping curves and dynamic shapes, which he believed conveyed a sense of movement and joy. "I've always been for optimism and architecture not being sad," Gehry once said. He aimed to create spaces that were not only functional but also uplifting for those who experienced them.

Despite his acclaim, Gehry faced criticism from some quarters. Detractors described his later works as overly extravagant or impractical. For instance, some critics likened the Walt Disney Concert Hall to a collection of cardboard boxes left out in the rain. However, Gehry's ability to evoke emotion through architecture resonated with many, and his buildings often became beloved landmarks.

Gehry continued to work well into his 80s, producing notable projects such as the IAC Building in New York City, which resembles a shimmering beehive, and the New York By Gehry building, one of the tallest residential structures in the world. He also contributed to academia, serving as a professor of architecture at the University of Southern California and teaching at Yale and Columbia University.

In addition to his architectural achievements, Gehry was known for his playful spirit and willingness to experiment. He often drew inspiration from his childhood experiences, including his fascination with fish shapes, which he incorporated into his designs. "I thought it was possible to find a way to express feeling and humanistic qualities in a building," he said.

Gehry's legacy will endure through his transformative contributions to architecture, which reshaped skylines and public perceptions of what buildings could be. His work is seen as a bridge between advanced artistic expression and popular taste, marking a significant moment in the evolution of contemporary architecture.

Frank Gehry's impact on the field will be remembered as a testament to creativity and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on future generations of architects and the public alike.