Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oíza (1918–2000) was one of the most significant Spanish architects of the second half of the 20th century. He built such important works as the Aránzazu Basilica, the Banco de Bilbao and Torres Blancas buildings in Madrid, and the Palacio de Festivales in Santander.
Despite the recognition he enjoyed during his lifetime and his prominent role in the Spanish cultural landscape, few publications have documented his legacy as it deserves.
Straddling the line between biography and monograph, this study by Javier Vellés offers a personal review of Oíza’s life and work, written from the perspective of a former student. In the words of the prologue’s author, Rafael Moneo: “The book is both a chronicle of Oíza’s architectural work and a biographical sketch filled with valuable information. Javier Vellés was there and feels the need to tell us how Oíza approached projects such as the autonomous universities of Madrid or Bilbao, or built works like the Banco de Bilbao or the Echevarría house [...]. Vellés fondly recalls his apprenticeship in Oíza’s studio and wishes to share his approach to work with those who did not know him. An entire attitude—not to mention a methodology—emerges from reading these texts, which I have no doubt will become essential reading for those who study Oíza’s work in the future.”
