Maybe there's something to astrology. A surprising number of truly great architects were born in the month of June. Who are these famous Geminis and Cancers?
You may know that America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, was born on June 8, 1867. But, did you know that many of the world's most important builders and designers also have June birthdays?
The list is illustrious, with great names like high-tech designer Sir Norman Foster, Spanish surrealist Antoni Gaudí, and the ingenious bridge designer, John Roebling. If you believe in astrology, you might even suspect that something in the stars endows June-born infants with special creative powers. But, even if you think the shared birthdays are just coincidence, you'll enjoy pursing the list of June-born giants.
The newly updated calendar of June birthdays offers lots to celebrate, with links to facts and photos for a dozen famous architects.
Are you ready to party?
June 1
Sir Norman Foster (1935 - )Born in a working class family, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Sir Norman Foster is known for modernist designs that explore technological shapes and ideas.
Sir Norman Foster Facts and Photos >
June 2
Solomon Willard (1783 - 1861)A leading architect in Boston, Solomon Willard designed the "Egyptian revival" Bunker Hill monument. Willard also carved architectural details for many important buildings in Boston.
Bunker Hill Monument" >
June 5
Asher Benjamin (1773 - 1845)When the United States was a new country, builders guides contained works by English authors. Asher Benjamin's book, The Country Builders Assistant, was the first truly American work on architecture. Benjamin's guide influenced architectural design throughout New England.
June 7
Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 - 1928)Born in the Townhead area of Glasgow, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was inspired by Scottish traditions. Combining them with Japanese and Art Nouveau forms, he pioneered the Arts and Crafts movement in Great Britain.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Facts and Photos >
June 8
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1958)Frank Lloyd Wright is without a doubt North America's most famous architect. He experimented with unusual shapes and forms, and created the long, low style that set the standard for suburban housing.
Frank Lloyd Wright Facts and Photos >
June 12
John Roebling (1806 - 1869)American architect and civil engineer John Roebling found ingenious uses for wire rope. He is best known for designing the Brooklyn Bridge and other important suspension bridges, but did you know that his firm also created the amusing wire toy, the Slinky?
John Roebling on the Web
June 14
Peter Harrison (1716 - 1775)Although born in England, Peter Harrison is often called America's first professional architect. He was inspired by England's grand Baroque buildings and taught himself architecture through books.
King's Chapel in Boston >
Kevin Roche (1922 - )
Irish-born Kevin Roche is known for large, sophistocated, sculptural buildings such as the Oakland Museum in California, the Ford Foundation headquarters in New York, and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
June 17
Charles Eames (1907 - 1978)Charles Eames and his wife Ray Eames were among America's most important designers, celebrated for their contributions to architecture, industrial design, and furniture design.
Charles and Ray Eames on the Web >
June 21
Paolo Soleri (1919 - )Architect and visionary Paolo Soleri worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1940s, but went on to develop his own ideas. Soleri coined the term "arcologies" to describe his unique, eco-friendly environments.
Paolo Soleri on the Web >
June 25
Antoni Gaudí (1852 - 1926)Born in Catalonia (Spain), Antoni Gaudí became known for his sensuous, curving buildings. Standing at the forefront of the Spanish Art Nouveau movement, Gaudí challenged our expectations of visual order and developed a distinct and original style.
Antoni Gaudí Facts and Photos >
June 30
Dominikus Zimmerman (1685 - 1766)
German architect Dominikus Zimmerman spent his life designing rural churches in the exuberant Rococo style. The lavish Wies Pilgrimage Church (Wieskirche) was designed by Dominikus Zimmerman and his brother Johann Baptist, who was a fresco master.
Wies Pilgrimage Church (Wieskirche) >